Ashe County Veterans Memorial, Jefferson

This memorial area consists of two brick structures, two flower boxes, two benches and a flagpole. The main brick structure is a wall about seven feet tall with a 13-foot center section and 3-foot sides that angle outwards from the center section. On this wall facing the courthouse are nine bronze plaque depicting combat scenes from American wars beginning with the Revolution through the Persian Gulf War with room for additional plaques. Text on the plaques gives an overview of each war and Ashe County’s role in the conflicts. The side facing away from the courthouse bears the main legend for the memorial and the coat of arms for each branch of the military including the Merchant Marines. The second brick structure is about six feet high and four feet on each side. On the courthouse facing side is a POW/MIA plaque and on the side facing the larger wall is an Honor Roll plaque listing the county’s known dead. In the center of the memorial area is a 25-foot flagpole that flies the American and POW/MIA flags. Attached to the benches and planters are a total of six coats of arms for veterans’ organizations and their auxiliaries.