Visitors to Washington, D.C., can now experience a new interactive tribute to the nation’s military history as part of the America 250 commemoration.
The National Military Monument has opened on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where it honors more than 41 million Americans who have served in the U.S. armed forces throughout the nation’s 250-year history.
The free exhibit features two towering digital American flags that appear to ripple in the wind. At interactive kiosks, visitors can search for the names of parents, grandparents, siblings, friends and other loved ones who have served. Within seconds, those names are displayed across the illuminated flags, creating a personalized tribute to military service.
The names included in the monument were compiled from military records and public databases dating back to the Revolutionary War, along with information provided by veterans service organizations and participating military families.
The database will continue to expand as veterans and their families verify military service or submit names that are not yet included. Some current or former service members may not appear because of privacy protections or incomplete historical records.
The exhibit is intended to highlight the individual stories behind generations of military service and encourage visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members and their families throughout American history.
The National Military Monument is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Aug. 23. Admission is free.
Those unable to visit in person can search for service members’ names or submit additional military records online.
The monument is sponsored by USAA, which says the project was created to recognize the millions of Americans who have served the nation and to preserve their stories as part of the America 250 celebration.
Source: livenowfox.com