Today in military history: Vietnam War Memorial dedicated
On Nov. 13, 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. Following a week of events recognizing the men and women who served in the Vietnam War, the…
The contents of Abraham Lincoln’s pockets when he was shot
On April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C. with a .44-caliber single-shot derringer pistol to the back of the head. While Booth fled on horseback, the president was rushed to a boarding…
Today in military history: President Garfield is shot
On July 2, 1881, President Garfield was mortally wounded when he was shot only four months into his administration. His assailant, Charles Guiteau, was likely insane. He spent weeks stalking…
The origin of the famous red phone in the Oval Office
In countless movies, in references across all mediums, the red phone exists. Brightly hued and highlighted through dramatic dialogue, we are shown this famous form of communication within the White…
Today in military history: Bonus Army marches on Washington to demand veteran pay
On May 29, 1932, Washington D.C. was flooded with members of the The Bonus Expeditionary Force, also known as the Bonus Army. Their mission? Demanding early payment of “The World…
Do you know the history behind Washington D.C.’s underground tunnels?
Down beneath some of the most powerful buildings in the nation’s Capitol, sits a series of underground tunnels. Hidden pathways between the White House, the Capitol building, and more. Known…
Everything you didn’t know about the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
One of the most overlooked monuments at the National Mall, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is located in West Potomac Park between the Tidal Basin along the Cherry Tree Walk…
Today in military history: Brits capture and burn Washington DC
On Aug. 24, 1814, British forces achieved victory in the Battle of Bladensburg, Maryland, and marched into Washington, D.C. The burning of Washington was a retaliation attack for the American…
MIGHTY 25: Meet Elaine Rogers, USO-Metro’s shining star
Elaine Rogers has been leading the USO-Metro in the Washington DC area since 1977 and has grown it to the largest USO affiliate in the world. Her dedication to the…
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – why listing the names of the fallen matters
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 10, 1982, with 57,939 names. Since then, more names have been added. Currently, there are 58,282 names listed. Ten new names were…