| 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