The concrete, limestone and granite Veterans of Foreign Wars memorial was erected on the lawn in front of Alexandria Union Station in 1940. The Monument was designed by David E. Bayliss, Jr. The inscription reads:

Donated by Mrs. Florence Angelo Cannady; Richmond, VA; Erected in memory of Alexandria War Dead; by Russell Mitchell, Post No. 609; Veterans of Foreign Wars and Citizens of Alexandria; November 11, 1940.

According to local legend, the granite shaft was originally intended for the Masonic Memorial on nearby Shuter’s Hill but was damaged in transit from the quarry. A recent review of the Masonic Memorial archives found no records documenting Mrs. Cannady’s purchase of the stone from the Masons or requests for it from  the VFW. While its source remains unclear, it is true that the War Memorial’s shaft bears a strong resemblance to the green granite columns found in the Masonic Memorial’s Memorial Hall.

Long-time residents may remember a World War I Renault tank installed on a concrete pad adjacent to the memorial. According to Amtrak officials, the tank was removed to the Nitro Wars Museum in Nitro, West Virginia in the early 1980s and restored to running condition.

The Office of the City Historian, Members of VFW Post 609, American Legion Post 24, Alexandria City Officials, and members of other local Veterans Service  Organizations (VSOs) attended the ceremony on May 27, 2024 to re-dedicate the “1940 Alexandria Monument to the City’s War Dead in All Wars.” The event unveiled the VSO plaque honoring the City’s 68 Veterans who died in the Vietnam War. A second plaque was placed on the wall of the American Legion Post at 400 Cameron Street.

Photo Gallery, Plaque Dedication 

A second plaque, placed on the wall of the American Legion Post at 400 Cameron Street, was dedicated on June 14, 2024.

WATCH: Did you know this obscure monument in Alexandria could have ties to the Freemasons?

It’s an out-of-sight marker in Alexandria, Virginia, that seems like an ordinary historic monument on the surface — but could have connections to the Freemasons, the world’s largest secret society.

In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” WTOP’s Matt Kaufax heads to King Street, just outside of historic Old Town Alexandria, to explore the mysterious story behind the city’s little-known War Memorial.

Originally dedicated in 1940 to those from the City of Alexandria who lost their lives in World War I, the War Memorial, also known as the “Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial,” stands today as a tribute to all Alexandrians who have lost their lives across all American conflicts.

In fact, its most recent addition, a plaque commemorating those from Alexandria who lost their lives in Vietnam, was just added in June of this year.

It’s a spot you might drive by and never notice, because it’s partially obscured from the road behind trees and brush. It also sits in the shadow of Alexandria’s Union Station, a lesser-known Amtrak stop before D.C.’s Union Station.

But the real twist in this monument’s story lies in its construction — which happened during a moment in time when another giant building was being erected just across the street: Alexandria’s Masonic Temple.

Come along with Matt and Alexandria historian Dan Lee on an adventure that invokes urban legend and mystery.

Watch the Video

Courtesy of WTOP, August 15, 2024

The War Memorial is located on the grounds of Alexandria Union Station.

• Limited paid parking
• Free Dash Bus to adjacent King Street Metro Station
• Free Old Town Trolley to adjacent King Street Metro Station
• A short walk from the shops and restaurants of Old Town