10/02/2023
Artifact of the Week: Signed Memorial Wall Photo
Each year, CIA holds a memorial ceremony in front of the Memorial Wall in the Original Headquarters Building to remember employees who have died in the line of duty. The CIA Memorial Wall was created in 1974, and the first memorial ceremony was held in 1987. Typically, at the service, the CIA Director pays homage to all those who have died in the past and speaks of the circumstances surrounding any new stars added to the wall. Since 1990, surviving non-Agency family members have been invited to attend each year.
This is a photograph of CIA stationery with printed images of the CIA Memorial Wall and that of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS)–CIA’s predecessor organization—which has one star commemorating the 116 OSS officers who gave their lives in the line of duty. The handwritten note from former Deputy Director of Central Intelligence Robert Gates says: “To all members of the CIA family – Your understanding and continued support of the Agency’s mission are deeply appreciated.”
Today, there are 140 stars on the Memorial Wall.
Although our museum is not open to the public, we regularly share new artifacts to give you a virtual peek inside.
Learn more. https://www.cia.gov/legacy/museum/artifact/signed-memorial-wall-photo/
