Herndon mural transforms tavern wall into tribute to service

By Ellyn Wexler, staff writer

"Memory Lane" mural had its official ribbon-cutting with the Herndon mayor, owners, artist, and MEG founders on-hand. Photo by Isadora Guerreiro

A once-plain wall behind Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern has become a colorful landmark honoring those who respond to emergencies, protect their communities and serve the nation.

The 35-foot-long, nearly 12-foot-tall “Memory Lane” mural transforms the tavern’s outdoor gathering space into a public artwork inspired by the First Responder Flag. Bold bands of blue, red, green, gold, white and gray represent law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, dispatchers, correctional officers, members of the military and veterans. The project also serves as a fundraiser for Making Everything Good (MEG), a Northern Virginia nonprofit supporting those communities, along with military families and survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

The mural overlooks a brick-lined memorial walkway honoring loved ones who have died, many of whom served their communities or country, creating a place for both gathering and remembrance.

For Jimmy and Maureen Cirrito, owners of the tavern, the project extends a long tradition of recognizing those who serve. The Cirritos signed the original lease on Veterans Day in 1996 and opened the restaurant on Memorial Day in 1997, later securing the neighboring space on Flag Day in 2012 before completing an expansion in 2018. “Both dates were random,” Jimmy said.

The expansion added engraved hundreds of commemorative bricks that line the outdoor beer garden. One section was set aside as “Philip James Curtis Memory Lane,” named for Navy veteran Philip James Curtis, one of the tavern’s landlords, who played a key role in the project before his death during construction. “It is a beautiful tribute,” Jimmy said. “Majestic.”

The Cirritos said the space reflects both gratitude and remembrance. “Memory Lane reminds us how lucky we are to be able to walk into an American tavern on Main Street USA to enjoy ourselves, feed our bellies and tip a pint with friends new and old,” they said. “Our military and first responders sacrifice every day for us to have this comfort.”

Over the years, the tavern has become a gathering place for military members, veterans and public safety professionals, making the mural a natural extension of that connection.

Unlike many public murals, this one includes contributions from those it represents. During painting sessions, police officers, firefighters, emergency dispatchers, military members, retirees, family members and children of first responders painted sections of the colored stripes.

“That made the mural even more meaningful,” said Meg Hawkins, president and co-founder of Making Everything Good (MEG) and a retired Northern Virginia police officer. “They all expressed such gratitude for being able to be part of it.”

Created by Herndon muralist Meghan Bogue of Wholeheart Murals, the design centers on the First Responder Flag. Shooting stars symbolize hope, remembrance and the legacy of service.

Visitors will also find details including the MEG logo, service dogs Tybee and Denny, the tavern’s goose mascot dressed as a firefighter and tributes to the Herndon Police Department and Herndon Volunteer Fire Department.

For Bogue, the project shows how public art can deepen community connection. “Murals are an incredible way to bring people together, tell others’ stories and connect the community through art,” she said.

The idea began more than a year ago when Bogue met Hawkins at a networking event. The mural was completed in four days using exterior latex paint.

“It was so uplifting to hear so many positive and grateful comments from the people passing by,” Bogue said.

Local contractor Chuck Brown and CB’s Services donated more than 200 hours constructing the supporting wall, working with the Town of Herndon to ensure durability and code compliance. “CB’s is proud to be part of the strong building foundation that helps America and its first responders stand strong,” Brown said.

The collaboration also reflects MEG’s mission. Founded in 2018 by Hawkins and her husband, Eric Provow, the all-volunteer nonprofit supports those communities through crisis transportation to mental health treatment, peer support, victim assistance and service dog-related support for individuals and families in need.

“This mural represents more than artwork,” Hawkins said. “It reflects community, healing, remembrance and unwavering support for those who dedicate their lives to serving others.”

Community members can continue supporting the project by sponsoring mural sections, with proceeds benefiting MEG programs.

Together with the engraved bricks below, the mural creates a lasting place of remembrance, gratitude and community in downtown Herndon.

Sponsorship information is available at https://bit.ly/jottmural/