World War II Memorial

World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial with the Washington Monument in the background

World War II Memorial

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. honors the **16 million Americans** who served in the United States Armed Forces during **World War II**, including the more than **400,000 who died** in the conflict. It also commemorates the countless civilians who supported the war effort on the home front.

Location and Design

• Located at the **east end of the Reflecting Pool**, between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument
• Designed by architect **Friedrich St. Florian**
• Features:

 - A large **oval plaza** with a **reflecting pool and fountains**
 - **56 granite pillars** representing the 50 states, D.C., and U.S. territories
 - Two triumphal arches labeled **"Atlantic"** and **"Pacific"** symbolizing the two main theaters of war

Dedication and Construction

• Authorized by Congress in **1993**
• Groundbreaking began in **2001**
• Officially dedicated on **May 29, 2004**, by President **George W. Bush**
• Funded primarily through private donations and the American Battle Monuments Commission

Symbolism

• The **Freedom Wall** contains **4,048 gold stars**, each representing 100 American lives lost in WWII
• Inscriptions feature notable quotes and military campaign names
• Emphasizes unity, sacrifice, victory, and remembrance

Visitor Experience

• Open 24/7, no admission fee
• Especially moving at sunrise and nighttime when softly lit
• A popular site for **Honor Flights**, which bring WWII veterans to visit their memorial

Fun Facts

• It was the first national memorial dedicated to WWII veterans from all military branches
• The layout is symmetrical, honoring both the Atlantic and Pacific fronts equally
• Some WWII veterans lived to see its completion nearly 60 years after the war ended

See Also

• National World War II Museum
• Veterans Day
• Washington Monument
• Armed Forces of the United States
• Military history of the United States