Civil War (1861–1865)
The Civil War was one of the most defining and devastating conflicts in American history. Fought between the Union and the Confederacy, the war centered on the preservation of the Union and the issue of slavery. Millions of Americans served during four years of conflict that forever changed the nation.

 

This tribute honors those who served during the Civil War and remembers the sacrifices made during a pivotal chapter in our country's history.

 

Spanish-American War (1898)
The Spanish-American War was a brief but consequential conflict fought primarily in Cuba, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines. American forces served on land and at sea as the United States emerged with a greater role on the world stage.

 

This tribute recognizes the men and women whose service helped shape a new era in American military history.

 

Philippine-American War (1899–1902)
Following the Spanish-American War, conflict broke out between the United States and Filipino forces seeking independence. American service members faced difficult conditions and guerrilla warfare during several years of fighting throughout the Philippines.

 

This tribute remembers those who served during a complex and often overlooked chapter of American military history.

 

World War I (1917–1918)
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, millions of Americans answered the call to serve. American forces joined the Allied effort in Europe, facing trench warfare, artillery, machine guns, poison gas, and the immense challenges of a new era of warfare.

 

Known at the time as "the war to end all wars," World War I left a lasting impact on generations of Americans. This tribute honors all who served and sacrificed.

 

World War II (1941–1945)
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the United States entered a global conflict that would require an extraordinary national effort. More than 16 million Americans served in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, fighting across Europe, North Africa, Asia, and the Pacific.

 

From those who fought on the front lines to those who supported the war effort at home, this tribute honors a generation whose service and sacrifice helped shape the world we know today.

 

Cold War (1945–1991)

For nearly half a century, American service members stood ready during a period of global tension between the United States, the Soviet Union, and their respective allies. While the Cold War did not result in direct, full-scale war between the two superpowers, American military personnel served around the world as part of an ongoing effort to deter conflict and defend U.S. interests and allies.

 

This tribute recognizes the generations who served during decades of uncertainty, vigilance, and global military readiness.

 

Korean War (1950–1953)
The Korean War began in June 1950 when North Korean forces invaded South Korea. The United States joined a United Nations coalition in defense of South Korea, sending service members into a demanding conflict marked by rugged terrain, harsh winters, and intense combat.

 

An armistice brought the fighting to a halt in 1953, although the Korean Peninsula remains divided. This tribute honors those who served and remembers those who never returned home.

 

Vietnam War (1960s–1970s)
The Vietnam War became one of the longest and most consequential conflicts of the 20th century for the United States. Millions of Americans served during the Vietnam era, including those who fought in Southeast Asia and those who supported military operations around the world.

 

For many Vietnam veterans, returning home brought challenges of its own. This tribute honors their courage, sacrifice, and service and ensures that their contributions are remembered by future generations.

 

Persian Gulf War (1990–1991)
Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the United States joined an international coalition in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. American forces deployed to the Persian Gulf region as part of the effort to defend Saudi Arabia and ultimately liberate Kuwait.

 

This tribute honors the service members who answered the call during the Persian Gulf War and recognizes their dedication and sacrifice.

 

Iraq War (2003–2011)
Beginning in 2003, American service members deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and later Operation New Dawn. Over the years that followed, U.S. forces carried out combat, security, training, reconstruction, and support missions throughout the country.

 

This tribute honors all who served in Iraq, remembers those who gave their lives, and recognizes the sacrifices made by service members and their families throughout years of deployment.

 

Afghanistan War (2001–2021)
Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, American forces deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. What followed became America's longest war, with generations of service members deploying to Afghanistan over the course of nearly two decades.

 

This tribute honors all who served in Afghanistan, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who returned home carrying the effects of their service, and the families who supported them throughout their deployments.