Every Veterans Day, Americans come together to honor the men and women who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. While parades, school programs, and community events mark the day with celebration, memorials and monuments offer spaces for reflection, reverence, and remembrance.
These national landmarks stand as permanent tributes to the service and sacrifice of America’s military personnel. Visiting a memorial on November 11 is a powerful way to connect with history and show personal respect for those who defended the nation’s freedoms.
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Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia
The Nation’s Most Sacred Military Burial Ground
Located just outside Washington D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most hallowed grounds in America. It is the final resting place for over 400,000 service members, veterans, and their families.
Key highlights include:
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: On Veterans Day, a solemn wreath-laying ceremony is conducted here by the President or Vice President of the United States.
- Changing of the Guard: Performed every hour (every 30 minutes in summer), this tradition embodies respect and precision.
- Memorial Amphitheater: Hosts the National Veterans Day Ceremony each year.
Visiting Arlington on November 11 is a deeply moving experience and is central to the nation’s official observance.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
“The Wall” That Reflects a Nation’s Grief and Healing
Dedicated in 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a black granite wall etched with the names of 58,000+ U.S. service members who died or went missing during the Vietnam War.
Notable features:
- V-shaped wall, sunk into the ground, encouraging quiet contemplation
- Visitors often leave flowers, letters, and dog tags
- Veterans Day vigils and personal ceremonies by families and fellow veterans
This memorial is not just a place of mourning—it is a powerful statement about sacrifice and reconciliation. Visiting on Veterans Day ensures that the fallen are remembered individually, name by name.
World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.
Honoring the Greatest Generation
Unveiled in 2004, the World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served during WWII, including over 400,000 who lost their lives.
Key elements:
- 56 granite pillars representing U.S. states and territories
- Two massive Victory Pavilions: one for the Atlantic and one for the Pacific
- A central Freedom Wall with 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 American lives lost
Each year on Veterans Day, ceremonies are held with surviving WWII veterans sharing their stories, reminding younger generations of the sacrifices made for global freedom.
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C.
“Freedom Is Not Free”
Dedicated in 1995, the Korean War Veterans Memorial commemorates those who served in the “Forgotten War” between 1950 and 1953.
Features include:
- 19 larger-than-life stainless steel statues representing a squad on patrol
- A black granite wall etched with faces of support personnel
- The haunting inscription: “Freedom Is Not Free”
Veterans Day ceremonies here often feature Korean War survivors and descendants of the fallen, emphasizing the need to remember lesser-discussed conflicts.
National World War I Memorial, Washington D.C.
A New Tribute for the First World War
Opened in 2021, the National WWI Memorial in Pershing Park was created to fill a long-standing void in national commemoration.
Highlights:
- Bronze sculpture in progress: “A Soldier’s Journey” depicting WWI troops in action
- Statue of General John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces
- Daily flag-raising ceremonies and Veterans Day programming
This memorial ensures that Veterans Day’s original roots—marking the end of WWI—are never forgotten.
USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Honoring the Fallen of December 7, 1941
Part of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, this site sits directly above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona, where over 1,100 sailors and Marines died during the Japanese attack.
Key elements:
- Accessible only by boat through the National Park Service
- Veterans Day features military ceremonies and survivor tributes
- Visitors observe oil slowly seeping from the wreckage, often called “black tears”
This solemn site bridges the themes of Veterans Day and Memorial Day, offering deep insight into the cost of service.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, San Diego, California
A Living Memorial
Unlike traditional war memorials, Mount Soledad honors both deceased and living veterans from all conflicts. It features over 5,000 black granite plaques with photos and personal service histories.
Located on a mountaintop with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, it is a serene location for:
- Veterans Day tributes and flag ceremonies
- Reading personal stories of courage and resilience
- Honoring individual contributions across generations
This memorial is particularly unique for connecting faces to names and preserving personal narratives.
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, Washington D.C.
A Tribute to Wounded Warriors
Dedicated in 2014, this memorial is the first of its kind to honor disabled American veterans specifically.
Key features:
- Glass panels etched with quotes from wounded veterans
- A reflecting pool and eternal flame
- Focus on both physical and invisible injuries, including PTSD and trauma
Veterans Day events here highlight the ongoing challenges veterans face after service and the need for continued national support.
State-Level Memorials and Monuments
Many states also host powerful and unique Veterans Day destinations:
| Location | Memorial Name | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Veterans Memorial Plaza, Austin | All wars, centerpiece of state parade |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Veterans Memorial, Pierre | Granite wall and sculpture garden |
| Oklahoma | Veterans Memorial, Muskogee | Honors Native American service members |
| Michigan | Michigan WWII Memorial, Royal Oak | Monument of steel arches and eternal flame |
| Illinois | Middle East Conflicts Wall, Marseilles | For Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gulf War vets |
These lesser-known sites provide local options for Veterans Day reflection and are often maintained by veterans’ groups and state agencies.
Tips for Visiting a Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day
To make your visit meaningful and respectful, consider the following:
- Arrive early to attend official ceremonies or guided tours
- Bring flowers, flags, or notes if offerings are permitted
- Maintain silence in sacred or burial areas
- Encourage children to ask questions and learn about the significance
- Take time to read the names or inscriptions
Visiting a memorial is not just an activity, it is a moment of national conscience and a tribute to lives lived in service.
Where Memory Lives and Gratitude Gathers
Veterans Day is not just about honoring service, it’s about connecting past to present through acts of remembrance. Memorials and monuments across the U.S. stand as enduring symbols of sacrifice, bravery, and honor.
Whether it’s at a national site like Arlington, a local town square, or a serene hillside monument, visiting these spaces on November 11 transforms a day of observance into a personal and national tribute.
In these places, America remembers. And in remembering, it unites.
