Memorial Tour

The Entrance

The two gardens flanking the entrance signify peace. The escalating pylons portray the buildup of aggression that leads to war while the walkway depicts a soldier's march to battle. The open plaza signifies the world at large and offers a way to express individual gratitude, memories, and appreciation with the engraved memorial bricks.

The Eagle

A central pedestal marked with the branches of service is topped by a 200-pound bronze eagle, sculpted by Gwinnett firefighter, Vic McCallum. This signifies friends arriving to a place of safety. A rose in the eagle's talon expresses remembrance, while its thorns represent the heartache of losing a loved one.

Memorial Symbolism - The Markers

Memories are reflected in 13 black granite markers, arranged in a semi-circle to symbolize a life cut short, that hold the names - initially 676 names - of the Fallen Heroes in random order without rank. They face the courthouse, where truth and justice prevail.

Gwinnett County was formed from the combination of land that was ceded to the state of Georgia by the Cherokee and Creek Indians and a portion of Jackson County. The Gwinnett's Natives marker pays homage to the indigenous inhabitants who were the initial stewards of this land.

Standing as a tribute to the brave, local patriots who valiantly fought in the American Revolution and the War of 1812, this marker serves as a reminder of their sacrifice and commitment to safeguarding the cherished ideals of freedom.

Gwinnett County was established by an act of the Georgia Legislature on December 15, 1818, and named in honor of Button Gwinnett, one of the three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence. Button also served as the President of Executive Council of Georgia, Provisional Governor of Georgia, and Georgia Colonial Leader.

This memorial commemorates the local lives lost in the pivotal events of 1836, including Texas declaring its independence from Mexico and the Creek War of 1836, also recognized as the Second Creek War or Creek Alabama Uprising.

Standing in honor of the brave, local patriots who fought in the American Civil War, also known as the War Between the States, this memorial stands as a symbol of their courage and commitment, inspiring generations to come.

In solemn remembrance, this memorial stands as a tribute to the countless local lives lost during the Spanish-American War of 1898, World War I (1917-1918), and World War II (1941-1945). Each name etched into history represents a story of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience. These heroes stood unwavering in the face of adversity, and their lives are forever intertwined in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

This marker serves as a memorial to the Georgia heroes whose lives were lost during the Korean Conflict (1950 -1953), Vietnam War (1959 -1975), and to those who remain Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. Their sacrifices represent the highest form of patriotism and devotion. This memorial serves as a testament to their legacy, honoring their service, and preserving their memory.

This marker honors the brave residents of Georgia who served as active-duty military personnel and those who fought and fell in the Global War on Terrorism. These heroes made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and justice, demonstrating unparalleled bravery and dedication to our country. May their noble example ignite inspiration within us all.

Dedicated to the brave, local law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, this memorial serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers daily. The marker is also a beacon of respect and remembrance for their enduring legacy.

In honor of the brave firefighters and emergency medical service heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, this memorial serves as a tribute to their extraordinary courage, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to saving lives and protecting our community. They faced danger with unmatched valor, rushing towards peril when others fled, embodying the true spirit of service and community. We remember their heroic deeds and the profound impact they had on countless lives.

This memorial stands as a dedication to the Gwinnett County employees killed in the line of duty. These employees epitomized the Gwinnett Standard, which is an expectation of excellence in service, stewardship, and integrity in everything we do. As we honor their memory, we express our deepest gratitude for their sacrifice and pledge to remember their contributions and the profound impact they had on our lives.