Plaque Unveiled to Recognize the Renaming of Rockville Memorial Library

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 23, 2023

A plaque has been dedicated at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change for the branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County Commission on Veterans Affairs.

The plaque is located on the first-floor lobby of the library, next to a digital display honoring the County's Fallen Heroes. The Fallen Heroes digital display honors County residents killed in action dating to World War I

The Commission on Veterans Affairs has a “Fallen Heroes” website with the names of County residents killed in action. Military and private information are part of the tributes, many of which contain photos. The Fallen Heroes website can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes

The words on the plaque include: 

“To honor County residents Killed in Action in service to our Country in military conflicts since our County’s founding in 1776, the Rockville Library was renamed the Rockville Memorial Library at the request of Global War on Terror Gold Star family members and the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.”

Wayne Miller, a Vietnam veteran who chairs the Commission on Veterans Affairs, said it was important that the building in Rockville Town Center have the plaque.

“The Commission on Veterans Affairs is grateful to Montgomery County Public Libraries for collaborating with the Commission to dedicate and honor county service members who were killed in action,” said Mr. Miller. “Sometimes, people enter a building with a name on it and never think about how that name occurred. This wording on the plaque is a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives protecting the freedom this country knows today, and we are grateful to the Gold Star Families who have worked with us on this tribute to our County's Fallen Heroes.”

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was on the County Council when it was decided to rename the library.

“The Rockville Memorial Library is one of the finest libraries in our system, and having it named in memory of County residents killed in action is an appropriate tribute,” said County Executive Elrich. “I think this plaque will remind everyone about the ultimate price of war and it will serve as a proper reminder of why this building has its name.”

Council President Evan Glass commended the Gold Star families and the Commission on Veterans Affairs for their efforts to have the plaque created.

"The Rockville Memorial Library represents a powerful tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving honorably in the U.S. Armed and Uniformed services," said Council President Glass. "I want to extend my appreciation to our County's Gold Star families who advocated to bring this tribute to life, and to the Commission on Veteran Affairs for creating a digital archive of our County's fallen heroes, which I encourage all residents to explore."

Anita Vassallo, director of Montgomery County Public Libraries, said the Rockville branch has a special name in relation to the other branches in the system.

“The renaming of the Rockville Memorial Library in memory of County residents killed in military service to their country was a great honor for Montgomery County Public Libraries,” said Director Vassallo. “We are proud of the digital display highlighting each resident and their service. The addition of the commemorative plaque completes the installation, and we encourage County residents to visit the Rockville Memorial Library to learn more about our fallen heroes.”

For more information about the County Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/CVA/CVAIndex.html.

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Release ID: 23-082
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915
Categories: Library