Geography Geography 5 min read

MONUMENTAL TRIBUTES

Legacy of valor: 10 powerful U.S. military monuments you need to see

Image: Chad Stembridge

Across the country, America's military history is etched in monumental tributes of stone, bronze, and steel. These imposing structures honor our collective past, as well as the bravery and sacrifice of those who served, embodying the enduring spirit of our nation. Join us on a journey through some of the most awe-inspiring military monuments in the U.S., each a lasting testament to courage and patriotism.

1
Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia

Image: The Silverdalex

Located in an area already filled with memorials, Arlington National Cemetery stands out as one of the nation’s most sacred landmarks. Established during the Civil War on land confiscated from General Robert E. Lee's estate, it became the final resting place for over 400,000 brave Americans, including casualties from WWII to the Vietnam War.

At its heart lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a continuously guarded monument that symbolizes the sacrifices of all unidentified fallen heroes. Notably, the graves of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy are among the most visited sites in the cemetery.

2
Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Ryan Stone

Popularly known as the Vietnam Memorial, this U.S. national landmark located in Washington, D.C., honors those who served during the Vietnam War. Its centerpiece consists of two imposing black granite walls, engraved with the names of over 58,000 individuals who died or went missing while serving their country in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Designed by architect Maya Lin, the monument is strikingly powerful in its minimalism, evoking deep emotions through its simplicity. The site also includes the Three Soldiers statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial.

3
Marine Corps War Memorial, Virginia

Image: Sal Cenicacelaya

Located in Arlington County, Virginia, this war memorial was inspired by the iconic 1945 photograph of six Marines raising the U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Standing 32 feet tall, the monument is an enduring symbol of courage and determination, honoring all Marines who have served since 1775.

Though the sculpture depicts a moment when the U.S. flag had 48 stars, the flag flown today is always the current version, symbolizing the memorial’s dedication to all Marines who have died in defense of the United States, regardless of the era.

4
Air Force Memorial, Virginia

Image: Yogi Panchal

Located near the Marine Corps War Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, this 270-foot-high sculpture features three stainless steel spires reaching toward the sky. It was the final project of American architect James Ingo Freed, renowned for his work with I.M. Pei and his contributions to various iconic U.S. public buildings.

The spires seem to evoke the contrails of a group of Air Force Thunderbirds performing a dramatic flight maneuver. Notably, only three of the typical four contrails are depicted, symbolizing the "missing man" formation traditionally used in Air Force funeral flyovers.

5
World War II Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Joshua Woods

Featuring 56 pillars adorned with bronze laurel wreaths, each symbolizing a U.S. state or territory, this memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in World War II. It stands as a grand tribute to the "Greatest Generation," celebrating their victories and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Interestingly, the memorial includes two subtle "Kilroy was here" engravings, a nod to the iconic symbol that became a reassuring emblem for American soldiers during the war, marking their presence and protection wherever it appeared.

6
Korean War Veterans Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Joe Richmond

Dedicated in 1995, this national memorial features a haunting image of nineteen steel statues of soldiers standing in silent patrol. The memorial honors the 1.5 million Americans who served in Korea, a conflict that is sometimes referred to as the "Forgotten War."

A granite memorial wall is also part of the site, engraved with the names of U.S. military personnel and South Koreans embedded in U.S. units who died in the conflict. The monument includes the Pool of Remembrance, a tranquil 30-foot-diameter pool lined with black granite, surrounded by a grove of trees and benches, offering a peaceful place for quiet reflection.

7
National D-Day Memorial, Virginia

Image: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain

This memorial pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all service members of the Allied forces on D-Day, June 6, 1944. The site prominently displays the inscription, "In Tribute to the Valor, Fidelity, and Sacrifice of Allied Forces on D-Day." Featuring a symbolic pool with a landing craft, an American soldier, and a German beach barrier, the memorial captures the essence of the immensely dangerous beach landings.

According to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, the site is designed as a continuum of three distinct plazas, each representing a different phase of the operation—planning, execution, and victory. The centerpiece of the monument is a 44-foot-tall arch, symbolizing the triumph of the operation while surrounding elements evoke the soldiers' bravery under relentless fire.

8
U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Image: Michael Afonso

The granite plaza of the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., is well known for its iconic Lone Sailor statue, which symbolizes all those who have served in the U.S. Navy throughout its history. The statue, crafted by sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, gazes over the Granite Sea—a map depicting the world's oceans, centered on Washington, D.C.

Flanking the memorial are two buildings, with the eastern one serving as a visitor center. This small museum often offers exhibits that explore the rich history of American sailors.

9
National Museum of the United States Army, Virginia

Image: Rob Martinez

More than just a museum, this site serves as a living memorial dedicated to the history of the U.S. Army. It honors the bravery, valor, and sacrifices of soldiers across America’s history while providing an in-depth exploration of the nation’s oldest and largest military branch.

Opened on November 11, 2020, the museum’s mission is to honor America’s soldiers, preserve Army history, and educate the public about the Army's role in American history. The facility also includes spaces for ceremonies, reenactments, lectures, educational programs, and reunions, making it a dynamic hub for both remembrance and learning.

10
USS Arizona Memorial, Hawaii

Image: Tim Mossholder

This solemn memorial rests above the sunken remains of the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor, a pivotal site in American history. It honors the 1,177 crew members who lost their lives during the Japanese attack on December 7, 1941.

The majestic white structure symbolizes peace and remembrance, while the wall of names reminds us of the individual stories of bravery and sacrifice of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. A profoundly evocative monument, it stands as a testament to national resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

History History 6 min read

FROM CHEEKY TRADITIONS TO PROMINENT FIGURES

Top 10 American Universities: Amazing Facts You May Not Know About

Image: RUT MIIT

Every university has its own culture, folklore, customs, and pranks . Some even go back centuries. It may be a long time since you were last in school, but no one can deny college years are an unforgettable period in every person’s life that is forever imprinted on the memory.

For most of its history, the US university system has served the mission of economic and social progress, educating the world's greatest leaders and contributing to unprecedented scientific breakthroughs. In this article, we have gathered some of the most curious facts about the country's most prominent schools .

1
Yale

Image: Pixabay

One of America’s most illustrious universities, Yale has been creating stories and forging traditions for more than three centuries. Being one of the oldest universities in the country means you can claim a couple of "oldest". For example, Yale is home to the earliest collegiate daily newspaper still in existence. The Yale Daily News has been around since 1878, reporting consistently five days a week. Also, the Whiffenpoofs, Yale’s oldest a capella group, has been singing every Monday night since 1909 .

Another fun fact? They may not teach magic at Yale, but theuniversity’s residential college system is very similar to the Hogwarts house system portrayed in the famous Harry Potter series . Each year, Yale freshmen are treated to a formal holiday banquet at one of the 17 extravagant Gothic dining halls on campus.

2
Stanford

Image: Jason Leung

The campus of Stanford University spans 8,180 acres in the center of the San Francisco Peninsula. It includes 630 buildings, 49 miles of roads, 3 dams, more than 40,000 trees , 25 fountains, a biological preserve, and a historic equestrian barn, among many other special features. It’s so big that it even has its own special zip code!

Perhaps one of the most relevant facts about Stanford is that it is considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley . In the 1930s, the university's Dean of Engineering, Frederick Terman, encouraged his students to stay in the area to develop a high-tech hub. This is how Bill Hewlett and David Packard ended up creating Hewlett-Packard in a garage in Palo Alto not far from campus.

3
MIT

Image: Ana GG

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology was founded on April 10, 1861, just two days before the start of the Civil War. MIT’s official colors are Cardinal Red and Silver Gray and, in 1914, the beaver was chosen as the university’s formal mascot due to its "engineering and mechanical skill and habits of industry."

This distinguished university currently counts 98 Nobel Laureates among its alumni, faculty, and staff. But the nerdy ways of the MIT crowd don't end there.Did you know that acceptance letters for undergraduates are sent out every March 14, in commemoration of Pi Day? Admissions are even delivered at exactly 6.28 pm, which is known as "Tau time" (πx2). No wonder MIT’s motto is mens et manus , Latin for "mind and hand".

4
UCLA

Image: tommao wang

The University of California is synonymous with excellence and innovation, but there are a lot of tidbits about it that even graduates don’t know about. UCLA’s football team has had many nicknames over the years : they were known as the "Cubs", the "Grizzlies", and finally the "Bruins". A live bear even used to take the field at some games until it was banned!

UCLA was also home to some of America’s most prominent cultural icons : James Dean majored in drama, Francis Ford Coppola earned a Master of Fine Arts in Film, NASA astronaut and first mother in space, Anna Lee Fisher, graduated as a doctor and mastered in chemistry, and neuroscientist Dr. Mayim Bialik popularised this field of science with her character in the famous TV series The Big Bang Theory . Can you name any other stars who went to UCLA?

5
Brown

Image: Keming Tan

Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading American research university, the first Ivy League school to accept students from all religious affiliations . Located in Providence, Rhode Island, this school has a bear mascot named Bruno and a library with no windows that resembles a tomb —in fact, rumor has it, that Rush and Annmary Brown Hawkins are buried here. Another one of its libraries, The John Carter Brown Library, holds an invaluable treasure: seven 15th-century letters from Christopher Columbus proclaiming his "discovery" of the Americas.

But perhaps Brown’s most curious feature is Carberry Day. Every Friday the 13th, students celebrate Josiah S. Carberry, a legendary fictional professor of "psychoceramics" who was created as a joke in 1929. Since then, every Carberry Day all students and faculty spread the campus with brown jugs filled with change they donate to the professor and his ‘future late wife Laura’. Have you ever heard of this traditional Brunonian holiday?

6
Johns Hopkins

Image: Falkenpost

This university named after the 18th-century Quaker entrepreneur and philanthropist Johns Hopkins was the first research university established in the United States . Johns Hopkins has a long and fascinating history, including mutant rabbit-related mysteries and famous alums: President Woodrow Wilson, Wolf Blitzer, Mike Bloomberg, Tori Amos, and Wes Craven, just to name a few.

Johns Hopkins is also home to some important events in literary history . In 1932, Zelda Fitzgerald was admitted to the university’s hospital and treated for schizophrenia. Soon after, F. Scott Fitzgerald, moved across the street to be closer to his wife. While in Baltimore, they wrote two novels: Save Me the Waltz and Tender is the Night .

7
UPenn

Image: Dyana Wing So

"Here’s a toast to dear old Penn", sing students at the University of Pennsylvania during home football games. Originating in the prohibition years, this tradition of throwing pieces of toast on the field seems to have taken the expression rather literally. Another popular myth at UPenn indicates that freshmen should never cross the compass embedded into the center of Locust Walk if they don't want to risk failing their first exams.

But serious things also happen at this legendary Philadelphia university. For example, it was founded by none other than Benjamin Franklin , the first general-purpose electronic computer was created here in 1946, has 38 Nobel laureates, and many other prominent Americans attended the school, such as Noam Chomsky, Ezra Pound, Warren Buffett, Tory Burch, and John Legend.

8
Caltech

Image: LisetteBrodey

Since its founding in 1891, the California Institute Of Technology has made significant contributions in various scientific fields. It has produced 39 Nobel Laureates and operates the world’s largest optical telescope , located at the Palomar Observatory. Caltech’s most popular major is Computer Science and it also has numerous groundbreaking space-related discoveries under its belt —as a matter of fact, the campus is home to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

While academic excellence is what makes Caltech unique, they also have some quirky traditions. For example, pranks are common practice, often involving rivalries between student houses , especially during Halloween. And it's not all about using their brains, Caltech students put their bodies to work as well. Ditch Day, a celebration whose origins date back to 1921, is said to resemble, wait for it, The Amazing Race .

9
Princeton

Image: jplenio

The Princeton campus is so picturesque that it has been used as a set for numerous Hollywood productions , including films like A Beautiful Mind and Across the Universe , among others. This renowned Ivy League university also houses the oldest college literary and debating club in the United States , whose graduates include two U.S. presidents, two U.S. vice presidents, and four U.S. Supreme Court justices.

There are more than 60,000 senior theses stored at the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, for example, those of Michelle Obama, Ethan Coen, Sonia Sotomayor, and Maria Ressa. Princeton University is not only famous on Earth but also in outer space . In November 1969, Charles "Pete" Conrad, a former student and the commander of the Apollo 12 mission, took a Princeton flag to the moon.

10
Harvard

Image: Tamás Mészáros

Harvard University was founded as early as 1636, which makes it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States . With almost 400 years of history, it is not surprising that this prestigious university houses several interesting stories and curious facts to discover. Named after John Harvard, who donated half of his estate and his library of more than 400 books, the school currently has 79 libraries holding about 20.4 million items in 150 miles worth of shelves.

But there’s more! Did you know that eight Harvard alumni signed the Declaration of Independence? Also, Harvard had the first native Chinese instructor to teach Chinese in America, former students won 110 Olympic medals —including 46 gold—, 51 of its affiliates are Nobel laureates, 48 hold a Pulitzer Prize, and 10 won Academy Awards. Not bad, huh?

General General 7 min read

SAUCY REGIONAL TRADITIONS

United States Barbecue: 10 Mouth-Watering Styles Across America

Image: Z Grills Australia

Almost every region in the United States has its own style of barbecue and all of them claim to offer the best one. Texas, North and South Carolina, Kansas City, and even Hawaii, all proudly boast of their BBQ prowess.

The term "barbecue", used to describe any slow-cooked meat, is said to derive from the Taino Indian word babracot . In fact, this practice can be traced back five centuries and originally evolved as a necessity to preserve food and, at the same time, feed many people. Nowadays, barbecue seems to be the epitome of comfort food nationwide . Keep reading to discover the best barbecue styles America has to offer!

1
Texas barbecue

Image: Andrik Langfield

Texas barbecue is heavily influenced by central European traditions . German and Czech immigrants settled in the state in the mid-nineteenth century introducing new ingredients. That is the main reason we find pork products like sausages in Texas-style barbecue, in addition to the classic beef brisket. In order to preserve fresh meat longer, they used to smoke it and cook it for a very long time. Over the years, this traditional barbecued meat, which originated in central Texas, spread throughout the state, so today we can enjoy not one but four different styles !

Central Texas BBQ is generally very straightforward, the meat is smoked over pecan, mesquite, or oak wood with just a salt and pepper dry rub. South Texas BBQ has Mexican influences and uses a molasses-based sweet sauce. East Texas BBQ is marinated in a sweet tomato-based sauce and slowly cooked via indirect heat. Finally, West Texas BBQ is prepared over an open flame using mesquite wood.

2
Memphis barbecue

Image: Philipp Kämmerer

No doubt about it, Memphis is one of the BBQ capitals of America . Unlike barbecue styles in other states, in Memphis, the meat is cooked using charcoal instead of hardwood logs. Pork ribs and pork shoulder are the signature cuts prepared with a tangy and sweet sauce based on molasses and tomato. Classic sides for the Memphis barbecue are sweet baked beans and slaw.

Barbecue originated in Memphis at the beginning of the 20th century , when African Americans began to populate the state. Often found in lunchtime pork sandwiches and late-night treats in nightclubs, Memphis BBQ style soon became a staple in the area. Many entrepreneurs opened new restaurants during this time, including John H. Mills, considered Memphis’s First Barbecue King. Rumor has it that even the great Bing Crosby was a regular at Mills’s place whenever he was in town.

3
Kansas City barbecue

Image: fstop314.com

According to the Visit KC website, "Barbecue in Kansas City is more than a menu item or a method of preparation. It’s an institution." The fact is that Kansas barbecue has a long history and is central to the city's culinary culture . Not for nothing is it called the "BBQ Capital of the World". With more than 100 restaurants, there’s even a Kansas City Barbeque Society in charge of promoting this style of cooking around the world.

Kansas City’s love for barbecue started in the early 1900s when a man called Henry Perry began selling slices of hickory smoked meat wrapped in newspaper. Soon after, others followed and started developing their own barbecue recipes. Nowadays, the Kansas City barbecue style involves grilling or smoking different kinds of meat seasoned with a dry rub, then finished with a tomato-based barbeque sauce. Sides include bread, pickles, baked beans, and slaw.

4
North Carolina barbecue

Image: Peter Bravo de los Rios

Whether at a backyard grill, or a traditional wood fire pit at a local restaurant, North Carolina has a proud barbecue tradition. This particular method of smoking and cooking meat has its roots in the emergence of hog cultivation . In the 1500s, Spanish settlers brought pigs to the region and natives on Roanoke Island contributed with their wood-fired slow-cooking method. Over the years, barbecue in North Carolina became a special feature in every celebration and special occasion.

Although recipes may vary between different regions in the state, pork is always the main ingredient . While in the East people cook the whole hog, western Carolinians prioritize the pork shoulder. The sauce is a matter of controversy too. The Eastern tradition calls for a thin vinegar and pepper sauce, whereas Western recipes add tomato or ketchup. Geographical customs aside, if you happen to visit North Carolina, order a local barbecue in one of the many great restaurants and you won’t be disappointed!

5
South Carolina barbecue

Image: @felipepelaquim

Some argue that South Carolina is "The Birthplace of Barbecue" . We won’t be able to settle this debate here and now, but what is certain is that the Palmetto State's barbecue tradition goes back at least five centuries. As with North Carolina, South Carolina barbecue also has its origins in the cultural exchange between Spanish settlers and American Indians . Europeans brought and raised pigs on the islands off the Atlantic coast and the natives knew exactly how to cook them.

The South Carolina barbecue style means cooking and smoking meat —preferably pork— low and slow over hardwood coals. Sometimes pulled from a whole hog, sometimes chopped from a shoulder or ham, South Carolina barbecue comes with a signature sauce depending on the region . You can find a blend of vinegar, salt, and some red pepper to spice things up or a yellow sauce made of cider vinegar, brown sugar or honey, and mustard. No matter which one you get, be prepared for an exceptionally tender and flavorful dish!

6
St. Louis barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

Did you know St. Louis is said to consume more BBQ sauce per person than anywhere else in the country? St. Louisans are big on spare ribs, which may have been introduced in the local culinary tradition more than a century ago. As the legend goes, a steamboat cook named Henry Perry used to slow smoke discarded slabs of ribs from the Kansas City stockyards using locally harvested hardwood trees.

Nowadays, the St. Louis barbecue style includes a variety of seasonings and cooking methods . From grilling to slow smoking, ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends, and pork steaks are smeared with a sauce made from ingredients such as salt, vinegar, black pepper, brown sugar, tomato, and even apricots. Unlike other types of barbecue, St Louis style does not require a dry rub and it cooks a lot faster. White bread is the side of choice, especially if you want to make the most out of all that BBQ sauce!

7
Hawaiian barbecue

Image: Tirza van Dijk

Yes, they have barbecues in Hawaii. Although you won’t get the traditional ribs, pulled pork, and brisket, the Aloha State is home to a delicious kind of barbecue. Influenced by its many immigration waves —primarily from China, Korea, Japan, Portugal, and the Philippines—, it has labor origins dating back to the late 19th century . While modern Hawaiian barbecue includes various cooking techniques, such as roasting, smoking, and grilling, the traditional way requires an imu , an underground oven lined with hot rocks, and banana and ti leaves.

Barbecues from the Paradise of the Pacific are often sweet, tangy, and tropical . You can find chicken, beef, pork, and even seafood. Marinades and sauces incorporate Asian flavors and ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. Side dishes range from sticky rice to macaroni salad, complementing and balancing the bold flavors of the meats.

8
Alabama barbecue

Image: Rachel Bramlett

In the South, barbecue is synonymous with any meat that's cooked over the fire. Although pork is often the protein of choice, some restaurants in Alabama also feature brisket, chicken, and beef ribs. Barbecue became popular in Alabama during the early 19th century when difficult economic times required a clever way for the working class to bring flavor and tenderness to cheap cuts of meat.

Sauces involved in the Alabama barbecue style are as diverse as they come . Influenced by the neighboring states of the so-called "barbecue belt", you can find variations of tomato-based sauces, spicy marinades, mustard dressings, and even a white sauce made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Across Alabama, these mouth-watering smoked meats are often served on hamburger buns filled with dill pickles and topped with coleslaw.

9
Kentucky barbecue

Image: Luis Santoyo

Barbecues in Kentucky have been popular for a long time. In the Bluegrass State pork shoulders are a popular cut cooked on concrete block masonry pits for at least half a day. However, Kentucky is most famous for smoking mutton over hickory coals . Kentuckians also barbecue other meats like chicken, pork tenderloins, cured hams, and turkey breasts for sandwiches.

Kentucky is home to a diverse array of barbecue sauces with almost every county having its own take. For example, Hickman County uses mostly vinegar and cayenne pepper, while McCracken County sauces taste strongly of vinegar and chili powder. Others prefer an allspice Worcestershire-based dip. The signature sides for Kentucky barbecue are toast, vinegar slaw, and pickled eggs.

10
Florida barbecue

Image: Dim Hou

Florida may be best known for its fresh seafood but the Sunshine State also has its own barbecue style . And a soft spot for pork too! A testament to the important place pig meat has in Floridian cuisine is the Cuban twist on the classic BBQ sandwich found at many local joints.

What sets Florida barbecue apart from others is its Caribbean and Latin American influences. Florida BBQ often blends techniques of the Southern United States style barbecues —like the use of sweet tomato sauce or mustard sauce— with Caribbean flavors such as vinegar, fruits, peppers, and spices. It may not be the most traditional barbecue in the country but it is certainly worth a try!

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