RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Donna Purcell Mayes 804-786-2717 Donna.Mayes@VDOT.Virginia.gov

CO-0443 Sept. 17, 2004

VDOT WORKERS’ MEMORIAL DEDICATED

124 employees are remembered on distinctive monument

AFTON MOUNTAIN – One hundred and twenty-four state highway transportation workers who died of job-related causes since the 1930s will be recognized today for their sacrifices in service to Virginia’s travelers. A distinctive granite monument in the second Interstate 64 scenic overlook east of Afton Mountain will be dedicated in their memory in a ceremony this afternoon, expected to be attended by more than 200 family members.

“In our own way, we are bringing these people back home to their VDOT family, and forever recognizing their ultimate sacrifice,” said Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner Philip Shucet.

The monument was built entirely with donated funds and services from VDOT employees, family members, businesses and organizations throughout the state. More than $168,000 was raised for its construction. No state funds were used in its construction.

The employees’ names appear in random order. Spaces were left to allow room for any names that need to be added from the agency’s nearly 100-year history. Many of the employees were killed on construction or maintenance work sites.

The monument is a grey, black and white granite wall with three silhouettes representing profiles of VDOT workers. One profile was left open to represent a missing worker. The open profile also reveals the scenic vista of the valley beyond.

Stephanie Lee, daughter of Harry Lee, VDOT’s acting construction engineer for Fredericksburg District, designed the monument. Ms. Lee’s design was selected from 41 concepts submitted by VDOT employees. She was a studio arts student at the time she designed the monument.

Scott Johnson, VDOT’s landscape program manager, developed the site’s landscape design. The design features two rows of native serviceberry trees leading to the monument, with dogwood and redbud trees to be planted in the site later this fall. A bed of native wildflowers is also planned.

For more on the VDOT Workers Memorial, click here.