USAA’s Poppy Wall of Honor is returning to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for the sixth year in observance of Memorial Day.
The temporary installation provides a space for remembrance and reflection while honoring the lives and impact made by military members lost in service to the country.
"Memorial Day holds a special place in the hearts of Americans as we unite to honor our fallen heroes. Let us remember the sacrifices they made, support their loved ones and cherish the freedoms our nation’s service members have so bravely defended," said Juan C. Andrade, President & CEO of USAA. "This year marks the 80th anniversary of the conclusion of World War II and the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. We must never forget the enduring cost of freedom and the profound impact these—and all—conflicts have had on our country."
USAA first installed the 134-foot Poppy Wall of Honor on the National Mall in 2018. Since then, more than 50,000 visitors from around the world have not only taken away a new or refreshed understanding of the holiday but have shared their personal stories and reflections while there.
“On one side, 600,000 poppies are on display,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. John Richardson, head of military affairs for USAA. “Each one of them represents a life given for this country during major combat.”
Richardson said the wall has been refreshed this year. On the opposite side of the flowers, visitors will experience an enhanced and immersive experience centered around the poppy flower, the international symbol of remembrance, to include video features of those who’ve given their all for the country.
“What’s really special about it this year is the individualization of each one of the lives that were given,” he said. “It presses on you the full weight of the sacrifices made.”
The poppies themselves are a combination of Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Buddy Poppies and The American Legion’s Memorial Poppies.
For those unable to visit the Poppy Wall of Honor in Washington, D.C., USAA is offering other ways that Americans can honor the day, including:
Discover stories of the fallen with #PoppyInMemory and join the conversation to keep their memory alive:
Wear a poppy on your shirt or lapel.
Fly the American flag at half-staff until noon on Monday, May 26, to honor those who have fallen, and raise it to full staff through sunset to pay tribute to surviving veterans and those currently serving.
Observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
Visit a local military memorial to honor the ultimate sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.
Visitors in Washington, D.C., can experience the Poppy Wall of Honor beginning at 12 p.m. ET on May 23, through 6 p.m. on May 25. The full operating hours, location, additional information, and stories about Memorial Day can be found here.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.