Hundreds of Thousands of Poppies Return to the National Mall to Honor Fallen Servicemembers

SAN ANTONIO, May 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- USAA announced the Poppy Wall of Honor – a temporary installation honoring the more than 645,000 American servicemembers who gave their lives in service to our nation since World War I – will return to the National Mall for the second consecutive year.

More than 15,000 visitors were able to view the poignant exhibit during Memorial Day weekend last year. The experience provides a moment to pause and remember all who've given their lives in combat for our freedoms. USAA is bringing a few new pieces to the exhibit this year, including a panel commemorating the 75^th Anniversary of D-Day, featuring a video interview with two paratroopers who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

"Memorial Day is our opportunity to remember and acknowledge those who've made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, protecting our principles and our way of life," said Stuart Parker, CEO at USAA. "The poppy flower is the symbol of remembrance, and by bringing awareness through our Poppy Wall of Honor, we have created a powerful way to honor these fallen heroes through action." 

From May 24 through May 26, the Poppy Wall of Honor will be open to the public – a sobering representation of our nation's history and the significant price to maintain our freedoms.  

• The Poppy Wall of Honor is 133 feet long and stands 8-1/2 feet tall.
• The more than 645,000 poppies that fill the wall are Veterans of Foreign Wars' Buddy Poppies® and The American Legion's Memorial Poppies.
• The temporary exhibit will be located on the southwestern side of the Reflecting Pool, with the Lincoln Memorial to the west, the Korean War Memorial to the south, the Reflecting Pool due north, and the WWII Memorial to the east.

Inspired by the WWI poem, "In Flanders Fields," the poppy became an international symbol of remembrance in 1920 when it was brought forward by Moina Michael, an American professor and volunteer for the American YWCA, during the National American Legion Conference. 

For more information on the Poppy Wall of Honor or to dedicate a digital poppy, visit www.poppyinmemory.com. You also can join in the social conversation with #honorthroughaction.  

About USAA

The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to nearly 13 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

Contact: Laura Propp      
USAA Corporate Communications
[email protected]  
573.424.3550

SOURCE USAA

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