Monument on National Mall honors 41 million who served

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – A temporary virtual monument on the National Mall in Washington is honoring every veteran who has served the United States, as part of the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.

The display, located in front of the Lincoln Memorial through August, is organized by USAA and features the names of more than 41 million veterans drawn from multiple sources.

Visitors can access the virtual monument and type in a loved one’s name to see it displayed as part of the tribute.

The monument will remain on the National Mall through Aug. 23. It’s free to visit.

Pro Football Hall of Famer, entrepreneur and TV anchor Michael Strahan grew up in a military household. He’s partnering with USAA on the effort.

“It’s a special experience and it hits you in the heart, and makes you realize that there are so many people in this country who have taken time away from their family, taken and created a life for themselves as a life of service to all of us so that we can have the freedoms and things that we have now,” Strahan said.

Bekah Nelson from USAA said the monument is meant to recognize all who have served.

“Those who have again raised their right hand, chosen to serve our country, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” she said.

Strahan said the display offers a personal connection for visitors.

“But if you had someone — I’m pretty sure you know someone in your family and your friend base, or someone who served in the military — to come here and see their names displayed here in this flag,” Strahan said.

Washington is home to permanent memorials honoring veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korea War and the War in Vietnam. A new memorial for those who served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the early 1990s is currently under construction.