11 Hidden War Memorials That Deserve More Attention

Wars throughout history are filled with contradictions. While violent clashes of conflicting ideologies are never justifiable, the sacrifices made in these battles deserve to be remembered, honoring the soldiers' bravery and highlighting the human cost of these engagements.

You might already know major U.S. war memorials such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia, or the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. However, there are other, less-recognized monuments and tributes that also help preserve our history. In celebration of Veterans Day, these memorials should gain more attention.

1. The African American Civil War Memorial // Washington, D.C.

This memorial honors the sacrifices made by Black soldiers during the Civil War, paying tribute to the 175 regiments that formed the United States Colored Troops (USCT) in their fight for the Union. A total of 209,145 names are engraved at the base of the sculpture. Named *The Spirit of Freedom*, it stands at 9 feet tall, representing both Army and Navy personnel. The memorial faces the African American Civil War Memorial Museum, where visitors can try on historical uniforms.

2. The Seabees Memorial // Fort Myer, Virginia

The Naval Construction Battalions, or CBs, are responsible for building military bases and constructing roadways. Since World War II, their critical contributions have enabled military forces to establish operations. The Seabees Memorial, which features a “Seabee” greeting a child, is located at the entrance of Arlington National Cemetery. It is engraved with their famous “Can Do” motto and the phrase: “With willing hearts and skillful hands, the difficult we do at once, the impossible takes a bit longer.”

3. Go for Broke Monument // Los Angeles, California

Located in Little Tokyo, the semi-circular Go for Broke Monument honors the Japanese-Americans who served in World War II—a remarkable act made even more difficult by the widespread hostility toward the Japanese. Many of them were forcibly relocated to internment camps by the U.S. government. Over 16,000 names are engraved on the memorial. The motto “Go for Broke” belonged to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a unit primarily composed of Japanese-Americans, and one of the most decorated in the war. This 18,000-member unit earned 4000 Purple Hearts, 4000 Bronze Stars, 560 Silver Stars, 21 Medals of Honor, and seven Presidential Unit Citations.

4. Vietnam Women’s Memorial // Washington, D.C.

Located on the National Mall alongside the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial highlights the essential roles women played during the conflict. An estimated 265,000 women served during the war, with 11,000 of them stationed in Vietnam. These women, who served as doctors, nurses, air traffic controllers, and intelligence officers, risked their lives to support the war effort. Eight women, including seven Army members, lost their lives in service, and their names are inscribed here.

5. The Argonne Cross Memorial // Arlington, Virginia

This simple yet striking memorial at Arlington National Cemetery serves as a tribute to the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (also known as the Battle of the Argonne Forest) near the end of World War I, which resulted in 26,000 American casualties. A cluster of 19 pine trees nearby marks the historic site of the battle.

6. General William Jenkins Worth Monument // New York City, New York

Found in Manhattan’s Worth Square, this monument is distinct for being one of the rare memorials that also serves as the final resting place for the figure it honors. General William Jenkins Worth (1794-1849) played pivotal roles in the War of 1812, the Seminole War, and the Mexican-American War. The obelisk is etched with the names of key battlefields from his military service.

7. East Coast Memorial // New York City, New York

Nestled in Battery Park, with the Statue of Liberty in view, the East Coast Memorial honors the 4,601 American servicemen who were declared missing in action during World War II in the Atlantic. The memorial features towering 19-foot granite pylons, with an eagle clutching a wreath in its talons. President John F. Kennedy dedicated it on May 23, 1963.

8. Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial // Washington, D.C.

In Lady Bird Johnson Park stands the Navy-Merchant Marine Memorial, a unique and powerful tribute to those who lost their lives during World War I and other wars. The sculpture features a flock of seagulls soaring atop a wave, capturing a moment of freedom and resilience.

9. Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial // Washington, D.C.

At the foot of Capitol Hill sits one of the city's most grand memorials. General Dwight D. Eisenhower is immortalized in bronze at key points of his life. One scene shows him addressing soldiers before the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944; another depicts Eisenhower as president speaking to his constituents; and a third shows a young Eisenhower near the entrance.

10. National Native American Veterans Memorial // Washington, D.C.

Unveiled in November 2020, this stainless-steel circle placed over a drum commemorates the American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians who have served in all branches of the U.S. Military. Native Americans have participated in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War. The design, created by Harvey Pratt, a self-taught artist from the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, was selected by a group of jurors. Pratt is also a Vietnam veteran.

11. Paragould War Memorial // Paragould, Arkansas

In Paragould, you can find a unique replica of the Statue of Liberty, the first one placed outside New York. Unveiled on November 11, 1924, this smaller version stands at just 7 feet tall and serves as a tribute to the 40 soldiers from Greene County who lost their lives in World War I.