11 Memorials to Visit on Veteran's Day

The origins of Veteran’s Day in the United States are rooted in the very first Armistice Day celebration in 1919. By 1938, November 11th was recognized as an official holiday filled with ceremonies and parades dedicated to those who served. However, if you want to honor the holiday in a more personal manner, memorials across the country dedicated to the men, women, and animals who served in the armed forces offer perfect settings for peaceful reflection.

In the mountain town of Saguache, Colorado, the Soldierstone memorial stands amid bucolic surroundings. The 10-foot granite monolith pays homage to the soldiers and civilians from Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and France that fought alongside Americans during the Vietnam War. Etched in the stone are the words valor, courage, and sacrifice. At the Barnegat Light Station in New Jersey, a tombstone sits at the base of a flagpole. This memorial is the final resting place of Sinbad, a mixed-breed dog that served for 11 years aboard a coast guard ship. Sinbad was awarded six medals during his service, which he sported proudly around his collar.

From a little-known monument in Washington D.C., to a bronze steed dedicated to Staff Sergeant Reckless, these are 11 places to honor Veteran’s Day.