When I was younger, my family did the normal family thing; at least for that generation. We piled into a rental RV, hit the open road, and visited as many national monuments as we could during one or two summers of my childhood. Naturally, we didn’t understand the significance of them all, but after serving more than 20 years in the Army, I can truthfully say that our memorials are amazing.
5 Lesser Known, But Immensely Important U.S. Military Monuments
Here are some of the lesser-known and lesser-visited monuments that our country has built and dedicated to the memory of our nation’s heroes.
1. The Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Located at the gateway to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, this monument honors all women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It includes a Memorial Register, which is a computerized database of women’s service records, and exhibits showcasing their contributions.
I was lucky enough to visit this monument while it was still under construction, and my mother was with me, which made it even more special. It truly gave me a new understanding of what she went through. The challenges that women have overcome not only in the military but in society, is truly captured at this monument. With its close proximity to Arlington National Cemetery, this one is a highly recommended memorial to visit.
2. The Korean War Veterans Memorial
While not as famous as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is a powerful tribute to those who served in the Korean War. The monument features 19 stainless steel statues representing soldiers from different branches of the armed forces, creating a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during this often-overlooked conflict.
This nation is notorious for how it has treated its veterans, and we, as a country, continue to learn from the past and progress toward the betterment of ourselves and our country’s moral fabric. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is a reminder that our wars have taken so much from our nation, despite the mission, the location, the technology, and the soldiers involved. We must remember every service member lost, during and after the war.
3. The National World War I Memorial
Located in Pershing Park, Washington, D.C., this relatively new memorial (dedicated in 2021) commemorates the U.S. service members who served in World War I. It features a sculpture titled “A Soldier’s Journey,” along with quotations and inscriptions that reflect the experiences of those who served in the Great War.
There are few memorials that will tear the breath from your body, and this is one of them. It is such a beautiful monument that you can tell took a lot of dedication to build, and even more so to design. The National WWI Memorial is somber and beautiful while depicting one of the greatest generations this nation sent to war. Please add this to your list of must-see’s.
4. The African American Civil War Memorial
Situated in Washington, D.C., this memorial honors the more than 200,000 African American soldiers and sailors who fought for the Union in the Civil War. It includes a sculpture, “The Spirit of Freedom,” and a Wall of Honor with the names of those who served, recognizing their vital contributions to the war effort and the fight for freedom.
This memorial is truly a powerful sight to see and describing it will never do it justice. The African American Civil War Memorial is something you have to experience because it is more than a thing to observe; it is felt. The service members depicted in the memorial stand tall and proud and in a perfect circle to each other. You can feel the protection, the dedication, and the strength from them, and it is such a powerful place.
5. The Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial
Located at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, this memorial honors those who served in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm during the Gulf War. The monument includes sculptures and plaques that highlight the significance of the conflict and the bravery of the service members who participated.
I feel like this monument is straight out of a movie. Those scenes where the aged veteran is quietly sipping coffee or eating lunch, and under his breath, recounting his recent experiences to his fallen brothers and sisters-in-arms. This monument is more art than memorial and more memorial than park. It just feels like a place to reflect on the sacrifices of some of our most under-appreciated veterans of war.
These monuments, while lesser-known, provide significant insights into the diverse experiences and contributions of U.S. military personnel throughout history. Each one commemorates the significance of the sacrifices of those who served in those conflicts.
The phrase ‘lest we forget’ is burned into my memory, and I hope that we can continue to teach our younger generations that war changes, war divides, war destroys, but it also teaches. We must listen to the lessons that these memorials offer so that we can become better, in every way.
