May 29, 2004, a monument honoring the county's veterans of World War II was unveiled. This event coincided with the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

May 29, 2005, monument unveiled as a Salute to Korean War Veterans . . . the 'forgotten war'.

Speakers included Charles E. Johnson (U.S. Navy veteran, WWII, Korea and Vietnam) and Col. Joe Clemons who led the famous charge of "Pork Chop Hill" in the war. That battle was memorialized in a movie with Gregory Peck playing the part of Col. Clemons.

May 28, 2006, monument unveiled as a Salute to Vietnam War Veterans.

Speakers included retired Air Force veteran, John L. Bradley, III. He spoke about three of his friends who died in the line of duty, praising them for their bravery.

November 11, 2006, was the Revolutionary War Dedication . . . "The Spirit of 1776."

Speakers included Fred T. Thrasher (U.S. Navy veteran and member of the Sons of the American Revolution), in full Revolutionary War costume. (Click for Fred Thrasher's Speech)

The first of the historical signs to be placed on the Path of Honor was unveiled. This first sign, crafted to the high standards of the National Park Service, is entitled "The Spirit of 1776". It contains portions of famous paintings that depict the Signing of the Declaration of Independence and American soldiers engaged in battle during the American Revolution. The words inscribed on the sign are meant to embody the sprit and typify the character of American service men and women who have served our country from the beginning of our Nation in 1776 through today. (Click for "Spirit of 1776" Speech)

May 27, 2007, second historical sign to be placed on the Path of Honor, "Medal of Honor," was unveiled. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal of valor that can be bestowed upon members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. It is sometimes referred to as the "Congressional Medal of Honor” because it is presented to the recipient by the President in the name of Congress.

Speaker for this event was Medal of Honor recipient Col. Wesley L. Fox, USMC.

November 11, 2007, was World War I Remembrance.

Speaker for this event was Major Lee Saunders (Retired U.S. Marine Corps). (Click for Major Saunders Speech)

Two additional historical signs were unveiled. The "World War I" sign featuring the famous Tiffany Stained Glass artwork located in the front portico of the Washington County, Virginia courthouse, gives a history and statistical facts about World War I.

The "Poppies" sign, incorporating artwork of 5th Grade Abingdon Elementary student, Nikki Jackson, was also unveiled. This sign gives the history of the poppy as it has become a symbol of remembrance and pledge to never forget all who have fallen in war and military operations. It also features the poem, "In Flanders Fields," and how Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae inspired the adoption of the poppy as a symbol. (Click for Dedication Speech of Emmitt F. Yeary, President, Veterans Memorial Park Foundation)

May 25, 2008, POW/MIA sign unveiled as a constant reminder of the plight of our American POW/MIAs and our hope and prayer that they will never be forgotten

Speaker was Abingdon's own, Rev. James Beaver (U.S. Army, Veteran), a Korean War POW.

The "Star-Spangled Banner" sign, incorporating artwork of Watauga Elementary student, Aleia McCloud Warren, was also unveiled.