National Military Monument to remain through Veterans Day

WASHINGTON — The monument dedicated to the more than 41 million men and women who have served in the armed forces will remain on the National Mall through Nov. 12.

The National Military Monument, which was designed by USAA, was unveiled on July 28 in a ceremony attended by Gen. Christopher Mahoney, the 13th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and retired Adm. Bill Moran, the former vice chief of Naval Operations.

“The response has been incredibly moving, and we want more Americans to have the opportunity to come to the National Mall, find their connection and remember those who have served,” said USAA CEO Juan C. Andrade.

Digital displays on four sides of the monument show the names of 1,500 veterans and former service members. Visitors to the monument also have the opportunity to ask USAA employees for help looking up a loved one’s name. Since the monument’s unveiling, more than 5,000 names have been searched for, according to USAA.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. More than 180,000 people joined the military following the attack. The National Military Monument is the only monument in D.C. that honors those service members who served after 2001, according to USAA.

“People are finding the names of their parents, grandparents, friends, themselves and those they served alongside. Behind every one of those names is a story, a family and a sacrifice,” Andrade said.

There have been no plans announced about the monument’s location after Nov. 12. The names on the monument will be updated to include service members and veterans who submit their information online, said Rebekah Nelson, communications director for USAA.