Some of the most memorable and touching items left at Arlington National Cemetery headstones are presently on display as part of the Section 60 Memorial Collection below the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery.
Described as a latter-day time capsule, three glass display cases hold dozens of items cataloging survivors' remembrances for those service members who gave their lives during America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Among the pieces reverently displayed are superhero figurines, artwork, challenge coins, sports equipment and military medals.
The display is part of the Department of Defense's Special Memento Preservation Program and will be open to the public until Nov. 7.
"This is the first display and first attempt at displaying them," said Deputy Superintendent for Cemetery Administration Renea Yates during a tour of the collection. "Items are left from comrades as most of the challenge coins that you see. Everything from children [leaving items] or a parent leaving items or sporting equipment that belonged to their child who has passed. They leave items in Section 60 as ways to memorialize and remember them."
What the public will see upon visiting will be a part of 21st century history and an example of how comrades, family members and friends grieved fallen service members.
"A lot of [what is selected] has to do with whether is it unique or has artistic value," said ANC Command Historian Steve Carney. "For example, a child's painting is on display. It really comes down to items that are significant to that service member to honor and remember. We want to catch that snapshot."
The exhibit is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
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