• Iwo Jima Monument made of Bronze: photo credit: NPS
  • Steel Spires of the Air Force Memorial; photo credit: washington.org

Memorial Day honors the brave men and women who have given their lives in the nation’s armed forces. One fitting way to recognize that sacrifice is to visit a monument dedicated to their service. Though many monuments honoring U.S. veterans are located in Washington, D.C. or Arlington, Virginia, there are memorial sites to visit around the world, each offering a beautiful and distinctive tribute.

1. TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER // ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

2. THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL // WASHINGTON, D.C.

3. THE KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL // WASHINGTON, D.C.

4. THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL // WASHINGTON, D.C.

5. THE MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL // ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

6. THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARCH // KING OF PRUSSIA, PENNSYLVANIA

7. THE AIR FORCE MEMORIAL // ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

8. AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL // WASHINGTON, D.C.

9. THE WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE FOR AMERICA MEMORIAL // ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

10. THE AMERICAN VETERANS DISABLED FOR LIFE MEMORIAL // WASHINGTON, D.C.

11. THE PRISON SHIP MARTYRS MONUMENT // BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

12. NORMANDY AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL // COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, FRANCE

13. NETHERLANDS AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL // MARGRATEN, NETHERLANDS

14. UNITED NATIONS MEMORIAL PARK // BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA

15. THE CAMBRIDGE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL // CAMBRIDGE, UK

CREDIT: MENTAL FLOSS