The Center for State Defense Force History is proud to announce our first and upcoming visit to The Virginia War Memorial, where we will begin an extensive digitization project focused on preserving the historic records of The Virginia State Guard during World War I and World War II. Our mission will include the digitization of rare articles, photographs, evaluation reports, after-action reports, and even original films documenting the Guard’s vital training and operational missions during these defining moments in U.S. history.
This effort is critical — each day, invaluable documents and images stored in archives across the country continue to degrade, risking the permanent loss of a vital chapter in America’s military heritage. The Center for State Defense Force History is dedicated to ensuring that this history is not lost to time. Through our ongoing digitization initiative, we will safeguard the legacy of the State Defense Forces so that future generations of soldiers and citizens can study and appreciate the courage, commitment, and service of those who stood ready to defend their state and nation in their darkest hours.
During our visit, we will record and document the entire process, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the immense library and the materials that define the history of the Virginia State Guard. We’ll share our reflections and discoveries as we explore thousands of historical artifacts that have shaped the identity and traditions of the State Guard.
Exclusive access to this ‘In The Field’ content will be available to our Patreon members at the Corporal Tier ($5) on Patreon.com/StateDefenseForce. Join us there to witness the preservation of Virginia’s proud military heritage and support the ongoing work of safeguarding State Defense Force history for future generations.
The trip will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 starting at approximately 6 AM EST. We will have the videos recorded and published on Patreon.com/StateDefenseForce/, so you can view the content at your own time.
Here is a video covering The Virginia War Memorial: