Lynchburg is a historic city filled with deep military pride. Early in the Civil War, Lynchburg was used as a supply and hospital center for the Confederate States Army. On June 17–18, 1864, there was a battle for Lynchburg. Two miles outside the city the Union Army of West Virginia attempted to capture Lynchburg but was repulsed by Confederate Lt. Gen. Jubal Anderson Early.
For the years following the Civil War and up to World War I, Lynchburg and the surrounding counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell, came together to recognize the sacrifices of their Veterans. In the early 1920s, Lynchburg decided to update Monument Terrace and honor 43 men who were killed during World War I. Designed by local architect Aubrey Chesterman, the new design called for parallel staircases to frame the statue area and to remove the Fireman’s Fountain. Ultimately, the Fountain was replaced by a bronze statue by Charles Keck, officially known as The Listening Post and commonly referred to as The Doughboy. It depicts a typical World War I infantry soldier standing watch. The statue was dedicated on November 11, 1926 “in honor of the men of Lynchburg, Virginia, who served in the World War, 1914-1918.”
Today, that commitment to our community veterans is stronger than ever. On every Friday for the last 16 years, our local community gathers at Monument Terrace to remember and honor our veteran’s past and present. We have stayed true to the principles of our forefathers and have continued the tradition of remembrance and pride. It is this principle on which the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council is founded. We are a group of volunteers (civilian and veteran) that have gathered together to recognize the veteran’s sacrifice and to help meet their needs. From homelessness to home repair we at the LAVC are there for them, to give them a hand up and not a handout. As a premier MyVA support organization, we have assembled a network of Community and Veteran organizations that work together in fellowship to strengthen our community ties. Join us to make a difference. Join us in the Lynchburg pride of many generations. Join the work of the Lynchburg Area Veterans Council!
