Visiting a military memorial in the United States can be a profound experience. It can reflect the feelings of triumph and victory that came from a war won as well as echo the personal tragedy that so many people endured in each conflict. And considering how many people in the U.S. have been touched by war over the years, it’s important that we remember these conflicts.
That’s the role of the military memorial: to remember the people who served for the United States and gave their blood, sweat, and their lives to ensure that the United States would live on. And that’s why it’s important to take a few minutes right now and reflect on the top four military memorials currently standing in the United States. Here they are, in no particular order:
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Arlington, VA
The soldiers outside the tomb of the unknown soldier press and check their uniforms for hours before going on duty; that’s how meticulous the attention to detail is for the guards in front of the tomb and how deep their commitment is to keeping watch. Watching the changing of the guard at this memorial is one profound experience that every American should witness in their lifetime. Considering the fact that the changing of the guard isn’t done for show (the guards still change and keep watch in hurricane conditions when no one else is around), it’s something that is worth seeing.
D-Day Memorial, Bedford, VA
The largest invasion in history was also a bloody and violent affair that essentially required scores of allied soldiers to give up their lives so that Europe could once again be brought to peace. The D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA makes D-Day its subject and helps illustrate how capable each soldier on D-Day was of putting their fear second to their sense of duty. Many died that day, but the sacrifice ultimately paved the way for victory in Europe.
National WWII Memorial, Washington, D.C.
The world’s largest conflict is a major source of emotions, and considering that many veterans of World War II are still with us today but aging, now is the time to visit the memorial while we still have these brave souls with us. Considering the memorial’s proximity to other memorials such as the Vietnam War Memorial, it’s also a stop that can include paying tribute to heroes of other American wars.
The Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, MO
A memorial to the fallen of World War I, it is important that this war not be forgotten to American history even after the last of its veterans have passed away. Considering the scope of the overall conflict and the location of this particular memorial, it is important to mention that you do not have to be in Washington, D.C. or Arlington, VA if you want to honor the memory of American soldiers.
Of course, no disparagement is intended to other military memorials across the U.S. The Civil War Memorial is a memorial that holds its place for countless American souls; none of these conflicts should be forgotten.\
Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is famous of course because of the Japanese attack on Dec 7th. Today, you can learn more about the attack and the ships and planes that were in actual battle in WWII by visiting the Pearl Harbor National Memorial. There are several sites and exhibits that honor the victims and survivors of the attack.
You can see the USS Arizona Memorial, which is the final resting place of 1,177 sailors and Marines who died on the battleship. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, which has a submarine that fought in World War II. The Battleship Missouri Memorial, which has the ship where Japan formally surrendered. Lastly the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, which has a variety of vintage aircraft and interactive exhibits. We would recommend a tour of Pearl Harbor to make the most of your day.
Guest Post by:
Paul Moore is a resident of Virginia, home of the D-Day Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He frequents Smith Mountain Lake and is an enthusiast of history and the beauty of the Virginia Area. The lake itself is a showcase of beautiful lakeside living at it’s finest, surrounded by the intense beauty of the Appalachian mountain range in the Blue Ridge.
