The legacy of our veterans is honored through the community in many ways. Whether it is with traditional memorial services or more modern tributes, these celebrations are an opportunity to recognize the values of courage, honor and camaraderie that characterized their service and helped them become part of our community.
The spirit of those who served lives on in the stories told by family members and friends, who share their memories with a wide audience in order to carry on their loved ones’ legacy. These veteran tributes can also help bridge the gap between the military culture and our own, by helping the public understand what it means to be a veteran and to serve in the Armed Forces.
For example, the ‘Spirit of Iowa’ tribute, created by the Iowa State Fair and the Spirit of Iowa Tribute Foundation, honors those who serve or have served with a display that includes quotes describing qualities such as leadership, honor and compassion. The glass panels are designed to highlight a military person’s multiple facets of life and emphasize how their service impacts our own, as well.
The National Cemetery Administration’s digital memorial, Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM), has a similar purpose. It lists information about the 3.7 million veterans interred in VA’s national cemeteries, and allows family members and others to create a personalized tribute page for their loved one. The service member’s name, branch of service and rank is listed, along with a photo or service branch seal, if available.