The National POW/MIA Memorial Riverside National Cemetery
The National POW/MIA Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery stands as a solemn and enduring tribute to the courageous service members of the United States who were held as Prisoners of War (POWs) and those who remain Missing in Action (MIA). It honors the sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering spirit of these individuals and preserves the promise that they will never be forgotten.
Set within the tranquil and dignified landscape of Riverside National Cemetery — one of the nation’s largest and busiest national cemeteries — the memorial serves as a sacred space for reflection, remembrance, and collective gratitude. Its presence underscores the deep respect owed to those who endured captivity, hardship, or uncertainty in service to their nation, and to the families who have lived with the pain of loss and unanswered questions.
The National Veterans Memorial Riverside National Cemetery
The National Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery is a distinguished and inspiring tribute dedicated to all men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It honors the bravery, sacrifice, and enduring spirit of veterans from every branch of service, every era of conflict, and every walk of life. This memorial stands as a profound symbol of national gratitude and a place where all who have worn the uniform are remembered with honor and respect.
Situated within the peaceful grounds of Riverside National Cemetery — one of the nation’s most significant national cemeteries — the National Veterans Memorial provides visitors with a purposeful space for reflection, remembrance, and appreciation. Its presence reinforces the cemetery’s role as a sacred landscape where the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans are permanently commemorated.
Meaning and Mission:
The National Veterans Memorial acknowledges the immense debt of gratitude owed to America’s veterans — those who answered the call to serve, confronted adversity with courage, and worked to defend the freedoms and values of the United States. It represents collective acknowledgment that:
- Service matters,
- Sacrifice is never forgotten,
- Freedom is preserved through courage and resolve.
As a place of honor within Riverside National Cemetery, the National Veterans Memorial brings together the stories of countless veterans, linking individual service with the broader narrative of national history and identity.
The memorial also serves as a focal point for community gatherings, veteran observances, educational visits, and patriotic ceremonies, helping ensure that the legacy of service continues to inspire future generations.
American Indian Veterans Memorial Riverside National Cemetery
The American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery is a historic and first-of-its-kind tribute dedicated to honoring the extraordinary service and sacrifice of Native American, Alaska Native, and Pacific Islander veterans throughout United States military history. It recognizes the courage, patriotism, and long-standing tradition of Indigenous peoples who have served in the armed forces for over 250 years, often at higher rates per capita than any other group in the country.
At the heart of the memorial is a striking bronze statue entitled The Gift, created by world-renowned sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg. This monumental work depicts a Native American warrior draped in the American flag, symbolizing both pride in service and the deep duality of identity experienced by Indigenous soldiers—defending a nation that historically oppressed their own peoples while exhibiting unwavering loyalty and valor. The figure stands as a powerful reminder of the countless Native Americans who enlisted and fought bravely in conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present day.
Designed to be a place of reverence, reflection, and education, the memorial plaza and walkways will frame The Gift, inviting visitors to honor the legacy of Native American veterans and to learn about their contributions, sacrifices, and cultural heritage. When completed, the memorial will be the first major national monument at a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs national cemetery specifically dedicated to American Indian and Alaska Native veterans.
Located on the east side of the small lake near the cemetery’s main entrance, the memorial will serve as a focal point for community gatherings, commemorative ceremonies, and personal reflection. Its placement within Riverside National Cemetery—a site often referred to as the “Arlington of the West” due to its size and significance—underscores the importance of remembering and honoring all who served, including Native American warriors whose stories have too often been overlooked.
The Medal of Honor Memorial Riverside National Cemetery
The Medal of Honor Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery is a distinguished and deeply meaningful tribute dedicated to the brave men and women who have received the United States’ highest and most prestigious military decoration — the Medal of Honor. This memorial honors those service members who, through acts of conspicuous gallantry, self-sacrifice, and extraordinary valor above and beyond the call of duty, exemplify the very highest ideals of courage, devotion, and heroism.
Located within the serene and sacred grounds of Riverside National Cemetery — one of the nation’s largest and most active national cemeteries — the Medal of Honor Memorial stands as an enduring symbol of honor, courage, and national gratitude. It is a place where visitors can reflect on the profound sacrifices made by these extraordinary individuals, and where families, fellow veterans, and the public can pay tribute to their legacy.
Design and Symbolism:
The Medal of Honor Memorial is thoughtfully designed to convey the profound significance of the award and the heroism it represents:
- Central Feature: At the heart of the memorial is a striking and dignified monument that incorporates imagery and symbols associated with the Medal of Honor. Its design reflects both the solemnity of sacrifice and the reverence due to those who have earned America’s highest military honor.
- Medal of Honor Symbolism: The memorial prominently features representations of the Medal of Honor’s iconic design — the five-pointed star, the symbolic laurel and oak wreath, and the ribbon’s distinctive colors. These elements serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and selflessness exhibited by recipients in times of peril.
- Inscribed Tributes: Surrounding the central monument may be panels or engraved inscriptions honoring Medal of Honor recipients, notable citations, or inspirational words that speak to valor, freedom, and the cost of service.
- Reflective Environment: Carefully designed walkways, seating areas, and thoughtful landscaping provide a contemplative setting for visitors to pause, remember, and honor the indelible contributions of Medal of Honor recipients throughout American history.
Meaning and Mission:
The Medal of Honor Memorial exists to ensure that the heroic actions of America’s most distinguished service members are never forgotten — that their sacrifices remain present in the nation’s memory and continue to inspire others. It stands as a testament to:
- Unwavering valor in the face of danger,
- Selfless commitment to fellow service members and country,
- The highest principles of duty and honor.
As part of Riverside National Cemetery’s landscape of remembrance, the Medal of Honor Memorial also serves as a focal point for special observances, educational visits, ceremonies, and patriotic gatherings, inviting all who visit to reflect on the extraordinary acts of bravery that have shaped the nation.
The Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at Riverside National Cemetery stands as a solemn and heartfelt tribute to the families of American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the United States. While many memorials honor the fallen, this monument is uniquely dedicated to recognizing the enduring loss, courage, and resilience of the families who carry their loved ones’ legacy forward.
Located near the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater within the cemetery grounds, the monument provides a sacred space where Gold Star families, veterans, and visitors can gather in remembrance and reflection. The memorial serves as a powerful reminder that when a service member gives their life in service to the nation, the sacrifice is shared by those they leave behind.
Crafted from polished black granite, the monument is a two-sided structure rich with symbolism. One side bears a dedication honoring Gold Star families and relatives who sacrificed a loved one for the nation’s freedom. The opposite side features four etched panels representing the foundational themes of the memorial:
Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee 