Visit These 5 Patriotic Memorials and Museums in Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, offers a variety of family adventures and sites sure to inspire a patriotic adventure for Memorial Day weekend. This year marks the 75^th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948, a law which enabled women to serve as permanent, regular members of the armed forces in the United States.

Home to the largest Air Force base in the United States, Eglin has a deep connection to the military and is home to a number of veteran-owned businesses and displays of patriotic red, white and blue decor and flags to honor the military’s six branches.

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For those visiting this Memorial Day, here are five unique memorials and museums you can’t miss.

Air Force Armament Museum

The Air Force Armament Museum is one of a kind and dedicated to the collection, preservation and exhibition of artifacts and memorabilia associated with the Air Force Armament. Adjacent to the All Veterans Memorial at Eglin Air Force Base, visitors will notice the array of aircraft on display, including the fastest plane ever built, the SR-1 Blackbird. Visitors will have the chance to walk up and touch more than 29 aircraft.

Women Veterans Memorial

Recently, the destination unveiled the Women Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park, featuring eight bronze statues in honor of the women who made significant military contributions throughout U.S. history. The statues range from women who served in the Revolutionary War to one who served recently in Afghanistan.

Okaloosa County War Memorial, Crestview

Located by Okaloosa County Courthouse in the downtown area, this monument showcases the names of Okaloosa residents who died in different parts of history. A small fountain was dedicated in 2003 to honor the memory of these residents.

All Veterans Memorial, Eglin Air Force Base

This memorial at Memorial Lake honors veterans from all wars. The multicolor, stained-glass image sits on a white wall and features several bronze plaques. Leading up to the wall, the plaza includes bricks with the names of hundreds of veterans.

Hurlburt Field

Located in Okaloosa County, Hurlburt Air Force base is home to the 1^st Special Operations Wing, part of Air Force Special Operations Command. This wing served as one of the small training fields in the 1940s.