Sacred Stars: CIA’s Memorial Wall Turns 50
New York – Rashad Alkhader – Homemad News – From New – CIA
Just inside the main entrance of CIA Headquarters in Langley, Virginia is a white marble wall with a field of stars etched into the cold, hard stone. It is the most sacred space on the Agency’s compound.
Each star memorializes a life lost in the line of duty, a sacrifice on behalf of our nation.
The inscription above the constellation reads, “In honor of those members of the Central Intelligence Agency who gave their lives in the service of their country.”
The Memorial Wall was created fifty years ago, in 1974, when 31 stars were chiseled into the marble.
How the Wall Came to Be
In February 1973, Agency officers proposed that a memorial plaque be placed at CIA Headquarters to honor employees who had died in Southeast Asia, primarily in Laos and Vietnam. The idea was expanded to recognize all officers who had fallen in the line of duty.
Master Stone Carver Harold Vogel designed the CIA Memorial. Vogel’s goal was to make the memory of the fallen an integral part of the building. His vision of the CIA’s Memorial emphasized the unity of the stars on the Wall, standing as a field.
Vogel’s concept was approved in November 1973; Director William Colby approved the 31 original stars in April 1974.
Three months later, Vogel carved the Memorial. It was done without fanfare. No ceremony was held; no pictures were taken. The stars and inscription simply appeared.
The stars sat in silent commemoration for the next 13 years without ceremony
Warning: This video below may contain flickering or flashing scenes
In 1986, a counterintelligence officer suggested that a ceremony be held annually in front of the Wall because, “The majority of our employees, particularly the younger generation, are barely aware of the existence or the significance of this memorial.” The officer said this custom would result in “rising morale and pride in our achievements which, in turn, would greatly contribute to our continuing effort to achieve excellence.”
Senior management endorsed the idea, and the first Memorial Ceremony was held in 1987, presided by Deputy Director Robert Gates. It was a simple event, attended by a small number of Agency officers.
