I have the privilege of living near Washington, D.C., which means I get to visit our country’s national monuments and memorials. The World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Vietnam Veterans Memorial are some of the most iconic structures in America.

D.C. is not the only place with great memorials. There are monuments and structures all around America honoring our nation’s leaders, Veterans, wars and military campaigns.

Battlefield Cross at Sioux Center Veteran Memorial

Battlefield Cross at Sioux Center Veteran Memorial

I was recently visiting my parents in Iowa. We strolled through a few nearby towns and I sought out the local sites. I found a couple Veteran memorials and was pleased to see how wonderful they are. Many of these memorials include a list of names of locals that have fought on behalf of our nation. They’re often listed by branch of service or the era they served in. In Sheldon, Iowa, I got to see my father and grandfather’s name etched into the beautiful stone slab recognizing their service. My uncle died shortly after returning from Korea. There’s a small military memorial at the entrance of his grave site. In Sioux Center, Iowa, where my mother was raised, her brother’s name can be found on the Vietnam portion of the Sioux Center Area Veteran Memorial.

These memorials are important to the communities they represent. They’re important to the Veterans who are reminded they’re efforts, and their friends, are not forgotten.

We want to spotlight the memorials and monuments in your area. Send us a picture of a memorial with the name of the site, the location, your name – and Instagram handle (if you have one) to newmedia@va.gov.  We’ll choose the best ones and share them on our Instagram page @DeptVetAffairs. Take your time with the photo. Pay attention to lighting, composition, and framing. We want to recognize your community’s landmarks in the best way.

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6 Comments

  1. David Deckert February 10, 2017 at 16:49

    We have a beautiful memorial here in Richland Center, Wisconsin.
    Richland County Veteran’s Memorial
    P O Box 104
    Richland Center, WI 53581
    http://www.richlandveteransmemorial.com/

  2. sharon mcmillian February 10, 2017 at 15:47

    My Dad is gone he was a blessing to me PO Box 30054 Columbia SC 29230 born unable to do for my self but the lord help me through the Church and Friend Community i Pray for other as they go to war Sharon D McMillian Columbia SC

  3. Mike February 10, 2017 at 13:25

    A really good vet recognition site & growing

    http://www.townoffloridaveteransmemorialpark.org/

  4. Emily Elam February 10, 2017 at 10:51

    ‘Ladies of Time’
    Kiwanis Park
    West Liberty, Kentucky 41472

    Emily Elam, chairman of project
    Morgan County Womans Club

    (How do you send the picture?)

    • Gary Hicks February 10, 2017 at 13:12

      Send us a picture of a memorial with the name of the site, the location, your name – and Instagram handle (if you have one) to newmedia@va.gov. We’ll choose the best ones and share them on our Instagram page @DeptVetAffairs.

  5. James L. Dokken February 9, 2017 at 17:08

    Flags of Honor Memorial Site
    North Highway 71
    Willmar, Minnesota 56201
    Jim L. Dokken
    USAF Retired

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