National Memorial of Military Ascent is positioned at the base of the limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Grafton. The centerpiece of this Memorial is a life-sized World War II bronze reproduction of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach as part of the initial D-Day landings.

The Memorial serves as a place of reflection and healing, with educational displays of shared veteran experiences. This is a beacon for all veterans and their families, active service members, tourists, and the people of southwestern Illinois.

Grafton has the largest number of veterans in the state of Illinois at 17% per capita (2026 statistic).

This Memorial is part of the Grafton War Memorial Commission's vision to create a first-class Veteran’s Memorial Complex, including a museum, that honors U.S. veterans and increases public awareness of the United States Armed Forces.

Honor. Educate. Never forget.