As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, a new interactive monument on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is allowing Americans to connect with their military family history. The National Military Monument, sponsored by USAA, honors more than 41 million individuals who have served in the U.S. military from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
The installation, which opened Monday, is a signature event for the America250 celebration. Unlike traditional memorials that focus on specific wars or figures, this monument aims to recognize the vast number of Americans whose service may not be widely documented in history books.
Visitors can use smartphones to scan QR codes at kiosks. This action summons a six-digit code that then displays a loved one's name on one of two towering digital American flags. Each flag cycles through approximately 1,500 names every 45 seconds. The monument is situated on the National Mall, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, a prime location for the America250 celebrations.
The monument's database is compiled from military records, public databases, veterans organizations, and voluntary submissions. Organizers acknowledge that gaps in historical records and privacy protections mean some individuals may not yet be represented, but the project is designed to continue growing as more names are verified and submitted. The monument is intended to honor all service members, not just those with prominent historical recognition.
For many visitors, the experience of finding a relative has been deeply emotional. Maj. Gen. Bob LaBrutta (Ret.), vice president of survivorship at USAA, described having "tears in my eyes" after seeing his father's name appear on the monument. Navy veteran John Guzman shared a similar reaction upon finding his World War II veteran grandfather, Walter Allen, whose name appeared on the digital flag.
LaBrutta emphasized that the monument's purpose extends beyond the semiquincentennial celebration, serving as a tribute to all Americans whose service has protected the nation's freedoms. He stated that the monument is for "all Americans to embrace and to honor."