|
What is the Patriot Project?
The Patriot Project endeavors to play a part in passing the torch of liberty by bringing into focus founding Patriots close to home. These men and women who came to freedom in Loudoun County knew the yoke of oppression. They had also tasted liberty and for the sake of that liberty vowed; "with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, our sacred Honor."
Thomas Jefferson,
Declaration of Independence, 1776
 |
"...the vision of the monument to the dedicated men and women of the Revolution has now taken on form and substance....With it we remember the past, and in so doing we find strength and resolve to uphold the ideals of freedom that mark us as Americans.... |
This memorial will add to these grounds another symbol of our country's sacrifice and dedication to the preservation of the rights of free men and women....So today, another memorial will rise. One that will recognize where the roots of the tree of liberty sprang and would grow with time, conflict, dedication, and sacrifice. A tribute to those who had the vision and courage to say no to tyranny."
Excerpts from a speech given by the
Honorable Thomas D. Horne
at the site dedication ceremony, July 1, 2003
But the project is more than a statue. The Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial Committee envisions a number of community events and educational activities that will heighten understanding and deepen conviction.
The Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial Committee (LRWMC) desires the project to have grassroots community involvement. This is the community’s history and its legacy to pass to the future generations.
Join us in Passing the Torch of freedom.
|
Project Milestones
May 1999
The need was recognized at the wreath laying ceremony on Memorial Day, when the wreath honoring the Revolutionary War Soldiers had to be placed on the WWI Memorial.
December 1999-2001
An informal committee composed of SAR, DAR and other citizens held periodic meetings to plan the Memorial and obtain county approval.
June 2000
Proposal for a Memorial honoring Revolutionary War Participants was made to the Board of Supervisors by the Sgt. Maj. John Champe Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, the Ketoctin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and other Loudoun citizens.
January 2002
The Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial Committee began regular planning meetings.
October 2002
The concept of the Memorial was approved by the Grounds and Facilities Committee of the New Courts Complex.
December 2002
The site for the Memorial granted by the Grounds and Facilities Committee.
January 2003
The Loudoun Revolutionary War Committee (LRWMC) established Executive and Advisory Committees and elected officers.
February 2003
LRWMC was granted a charter as a Virginia Corporation to be known as the Loudoun Revolutionary War Memorial Committee, Inc..
May 2003
Tax-exempt status under the provision of IRS Sec 501(c)(3) was granted by the IRS. Registered with the Virginia Department of Consumer Affairs to solicit funds.
|
July 1, 2003
A public announcement was made at the Court House site.
July 2003
A certificate to conduct business as "The Patriot Project" was filed and certified by the Clerk of the Court.
Sept-Oct 2004
Request for qualifications were sent to numerous sculptors. The LRWMC web site advertised nationally for interested sculptors. The Smithsonian and Corcoran Art Gallery supplied a panel of jurors to assess the quality and craftsmanship of the RFQ and to later appraise the accuracy of the historical depictions.
January-June 2005
The LRWMC selects seven professional jurors to independently grade the selected sculptors portfolios.
August-September 2005
Invitations to submit portfolios are sent to eighteen artist.
October 2005
Sixteen artist submit portfolios. Two had withdrawn. The LRWMC selects eight to be reviewed by the jurors.
Nov 2006-Jan 2007
The LRWMC considered and rank ordered the jurors' recommendations and selected the five sculptors to receive Request for Proposals.
June-October 2007
Sculptors' proposals reviewed and evaluated by the public and the LRWMC. Media publicized public viewing of the Courts Complex Law Library in successive Fridays in July. Advisory Committee, Leesburg Town, Loudoun County and Courthouse officials invited by letter and phone calls to view and evaluate the proposals. Over 70 evaluations are on file.
October 2007
LRWMC advised the sculptor of his selection.
June 2008
Board of Supervisors approved site, the LRWMC as provider of memorial and a completion date of July 2010.
August 2009 (tentative)
Fund raising event.
|