Outdoor sculptures have long been used to honor military achievements, commemorate battles, and pay tribute to fallen heroes. Among the most famous is the Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, depicting the iconic flag-raising at Iwo Jima during World War II. Another notable example is the Statue of Liberty, originally conceived as a symbol of Franco-American friendship and later embraced as a broader emblem of freedom.

In Europe, the Soviet War Memorial in Berlin stands as a powerful tribute to Soviet soldiers who fought in World War II, featuring a towering bronze statue of a soldier holding a rescued child. Meanwhile, the Australian War Memorial in Canberra combines sculpture, architecture, and history to honor the nation's military sacrifices.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., though more minimalist, remains one of the most emotionally resonant military commemorations, with its reflective black granite wall inscribed with the names of the fallen. These sculptures not only preserve history but also evoke deep reflection on the costs of war and the valor of those who served.