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