Monuments of Freedom

To Those Who Served

To Those Who Served is a tour of the history of Washington's monuments to our fallen heroes. These monuments stand as silent reminders of the sons and daughters that have died in the service of our country.

Discussion Questions

  1. How many American soldiers died World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam combined?

  2. Discuss the statement made of the men who fought on Iwo Jima in W.W.II,

  3. Why did we need to build a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier?

  4. If you leave an item at the Vietnam Memorial in memory of a friend of relative, such as a letter, what happens to this item? Explain why the park service does this.

  5. Why was there so much debate over the construction of the Vietnam Memorial? Would there have been so much debate if we had won the war?

  6. What is the most visited grave site in the country? What draws people there?

  7. There are twenty-six approved symbols available for headstones that are used in Arlington National Cemetery. Why is this? What does this tell you about the military in the United States? What does this show you about America?

Air Dates

Classroom Materials