Americans Travel For The Troops

Americans across the nation have found a surprising way to show their appreciation for the courageous troops who defend freedom. They are joining many of the nearly 24 million veterans in the U.S. and the families of those who never returned in visiting the country's inspirational war memorials.

Honoring Heroes

America has lost over 1.1 million men and women in military service throughout its history, according to the U.S. Department of Defense. Citizens wishing to remember the sacrifice of so many can find powerful commemorations. Here's a closer look:

• Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.-More than 58,000 names are inscribed into "The Wall," representing those who never returned from the Vietnam War. The memorial is known for its simplistic serenity and has become one of Washington's most visited sites. (Visit TheWall-USA.com.)

• African American Civil War Memorial, Washington, D.C.-The memorial features the Spirit of Freedom sculpture, the first major piece of artwork designed by a black sculptor to be placed on federal land in the District of Columbia. A Wall of Honor surrounds the sculpture, paying tribute to 209,145 African Americans who served in the Civil War. (Visit www.AfroAmCivilWar.org.)

• Soldiers Field Veterans Memorial, Rochester, Minn.-Visitors read stories and view battle scenes engraved on the four circular granite walls, honoring all who have died in service throughout American history. The Wall of Remembrance and monuments surround the memorial amidst 50 trees, representing the 50 states. (Visit www.SoldiersFieldMemorial.org.)

• Liberty Memorial, Kansas City, Mo.-With a Memorial Tower standing 217 feet tall, the National World War I Memorial proudly symbolizes human dignity and love of liberty for all. Four large stone figures rest at the top of the tower, representing courage, honor, patriotism and sacrifice. (Visit www.LibertyMemorialMuseum.org.)

• Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii-112 acres of an extinct volcano honor the American Armed Forces in the Pacific during World War II and the Korean War. A Court of Honor overlooks the graves of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. A stairway connects the two landmarks, amidst the Courts of the Missing and a nonsectarian chapel. (Visit www.AcresofHonor.com.)
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By: Wendy Mitchell

Find More A list of veterans memorials throughout the world can be found at www.USMemorialDay.org. Thousands of Americans are moved to pay tribute to veterans at the nation's war memorials.

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