Maj. Gen. Bob LaBrutta (Ret.), who helped unveil the National Military Monument, says seeing his father's name displayed among 41 million Americans who served left him with "tears in my eyes."
WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans celebrating the nation's 250th birthday are now able to search for parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones who served in the U.S. military—and watch their names appear seconds later across two towering digital American flags on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
After opening Monday as one of the signature installations of the nationwide America250 celebration, the National Military Monument sponsored by USAA honors more than 41 million Americans whose military service spans from the Revolutionary War through today.
EVERYDAY REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROES TAKE CENTER STAGE IN TRUMP'S 'SPIRIT OF '76' EXHIBIT
A visitor photographs the National Military Monument in Washington, D.C. The monument pays tribute to Americans who have served in the U.S. military. (Courtesy of USAA)
Unlike many of Washington's memorials, which commemorate presidents, battles or individual wars, organizers say the National Military Monument was designed to recognize the millions of Americans whose names rarely appear in history books but whose service helped shape the country over the last 250 years.