WASHINGTON — Millions of Americans celebrating the nation's 250th birthday are now able to search for parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones who served in the U.S.military—and watch their names appear seconds later across two towering digital American flags on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.After opening Monday as one of the signature installations of the nationwide America250 celebration, the National Military Monument sponsored by USAA honors more than 41 million Americans whose military service spans from the Revolutionary War through today.Built from military records, public databases, veterans organizations and voluntary submissions, the interactive installation invites visitors to discover their own family's place in American history rather than simply observe it.
Fox News Digital received an exclusive preview ahead of the public opening.EVERYDAY REVOLUTIONARY WAR HEROES TAKE CENTER STAGE IN TRUMP'S 'SPIRIT OF '76' EXHIBITA visitor photographs the National Military Monument in Washington, D.C.The monument pays tribute to Americans who have served in the U.S.
military.(Courtesy of USAA)Unlike many of Washington's memorials, which commemorate presidents, battles or individual wars, organizers say the National Military Monument was designed to recognize the millions of Americans whose names rarely appear in history books but whose service helped shape the country over the last 250 years.Visitors begin not by reading a plaque, but by pulling out their smartphones.After scanning a QR code at one of several kiosks, visitors receive a six-digit code that summons a loved one's name onto one of two towering digital American flags overlooking the Reflecting Pool.
Each side of the monument cycles through roughly 1,500 names every 45 seconds, or about 480,000 names every hour.WHITE HOUSE CONDEMNS 'TARGETED SABOTAGE' OF REFLECTING POOL AS REPAIRS PUSHED PAST JULY 4 CELEBRATIONThe National Military Monument is illuminated near the Lincoln Memorial in Washi...