LAS VEGAS (FOX5) —A Southern Nevada Korean War veteran learned his name was displayed on a national military monument in Washington, D.C. The monument is part of America’s 250th anniversary — and he had no idea it was coming.
Delbert “Ray” Houlette, 95, a Marine who served in the Korean War, was shown a photo of the USAA National Military Monument, located outside the Lincoln Memorial, with his name highlighted on the display.
“I’ll be dog gone,” Houlette said when he saw it.
About the monument
USAA is the organizer of the one-of-a-kind monument for America’s 250th anniversary. Two large digital flags have been displaying the names of 41 million men and women who have served in the U.S. military.
“We know we wouldn’t have gotten to 250 years if it wasn’t for men and women in uniform,” said Christian Bove with USAA.
People at the monument can input a name. Someone at the monument will locate it and display it on monitors so visitors can take pictures.
A local connection
Reporter Joe Vigil said a friend who works in Washington, D.C., agreed to look up names of local veterans. With a QR code, the friend, with assistance from an official at the monument, then was able to see the names of three Southern Nevada veterans.
In addition to Houlette, two local Vietnam veterans — Michael McGovern and Larry Lambert — also had their names displayed. Lambert was set to be on the April Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., but died before the trip.
Houlette was on that April Honor Flight, which Vigil also covered. Houlette received a Peace Medal at the Korean War Memorial during that trip.
MORE ON FOX5: Honor Flight Southern Nevada takes fallen veteran to DC memorials in spirit
‘I’ve been a Marine since 17’
Houlette and his wife said they were moved to see his name on the display.
“That makes me happy,” said Ray Houlette.
“It’s a wonderful tribute,” said Eleanor Houlette.
Houlette also reflected on Americans currently serving in Iran.
“I’ve sat up there at the house and I thought that, gee, if I was younger, I’d be over there, and I’d be doing the same thing I did in Korea. I enjoyed the service. I think about it all the time. I’ve tried to maintain that military discipline that was given to me,” Houlette said.
“I’ve been a Marine since 17 and I’m still a Marine at 95,” he said.
His wife said she wants future generations to understand his service.
“His kids certainly are [proud]. We have four daughters, and two sons, and great- and grandchildren that understand, and that’s — I want the great-grandchildren to learn, too,” said Eleanor.
Monument’s future
The monument was intended to be temporary, with a scheduled end date of Aug. 23. However, USAA said there is now discussion about keeping it up longer.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
