World War II Memorial, Washington D.C.

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As a history buff I was interested in seeing what this memorial represented to those that it commemorates. Honoring the 16 million men and women who served in the armed forces of the U.S. and the more than 400,000 who died along with those who supported the war efforts from home it really is a magnificant and serene memorial.

The memorial consists of 56 pillars representing our Nation's states, territoris and D.C. during the war. There are also two arches representing the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans which are located on the north and south ends of the memorial. Encirculing the pillars is the fountain.

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Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day.

Here is a great site to learn more about this conflict. A very good site.
The World at war, history WW 1939-1945

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The memorial was dedicated on May 29 2004, making it one of the newest memorials in Wachington DC. It is located between the Washington Monument to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. The memorial is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Though the lighting is subdued at night to discourage visitors - and I wouldn't come here alone after dark.

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S., the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home. As women who stayed behind began to fill roles traditionally filled by menfolk, and went to war themselves to serve as nurses at the warfront, World War II changed the way we viewed the world, and ourselves. . These people changed the way we think, live, and love.

One section had quotations specific to women at home during the war: THEY HAVE GIVEN THEIR SONS TO THE MILITARY SERVICES. THEY HAVE STOKED THE FURNACES AND HURRIED THE FACTORY WHEELS. THEY HAVE MADE THE PLANES AND WELDED THE TANKS, RIVETED THE SHIPS AND ROLLED THE SHELLS. (President Franklin D. Roosevelt )

WOMEN WHO STEPPED UP WERE MEASURED AS CITIZENS OF THE NATION, NOT AS WOMEN…THIS WAS A PEOPLE’S WAR, AND EVERYONE WAS IN IT. (Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby )

Current policitcal actions are rationalized with the following flagpole inscription: AMERICANS CAME TO LIBERATE, NOT TO CONQUER, TO RESTORE FREEDOM AND TO END TYRANNY

Regardless of your political beliefs, I found this memorial intriguing and a worthwhile stop during my day... if nothing else, nearby are one of the few bathroom stops along this end of the mall :) I took time to enjoy the fountains, read the inscriptions and snap some photos of the monument itself ........ there were quite a few folks here, all in their own place of remembrance. I was glad to have a place to officially pay my respects to my ancestors who served the US and the world, came home, and built lives of peace after seeing what war can do.

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These massive pavillions are called the Announcement Stones, are the formal entrance to the World War II Memorial along 17th Street, eloquently declares the reason for the placement of the memorial along the great axis between the Lincoln Memorial to the west and the Washington Monument to the east. These two massive 43-foot tall pavilions proclaim American victory on the Atlantic and Pacific fronts. “on land, at sea, and in the air.

Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day.
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This memorial is new compared to the rest. It was not there when I last played the tourist and I was amazed by what I found.

It is an incredibly well done memorial. I have only seen it at night. But am willing to bet that is for the best.

Update: I came back here during the day light. Still more impressive at night but a must see for sure.

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The Freedom Wall is on the west side of the memorial, with a view of the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial behind it. These magnificent 4,000 gold stars represent and honors 400,000 lived lost during war time. Called the Freedom Wall, it is actually comprised of 4, 048 stars. Each represents one hundred American soldiers that perished or MIA in the WAR. There are 405,399 American dead and MIA from the WWII that are second only to the loss of more than 620,000 during the Civil War.

Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day.

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These beautiful four American eagles hold a suspended laurel wreath in the Baldacchino sculpture. Your wondering what a Baldacchino sculpture is? According to the dictionary is an architecture feature with a stone or marble structure built in the form of a canopy, especially over the altar of a church.

Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and WWII Memorial is dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day

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Fifty-six granite columns, split between two half-circles framing the rebuilt Rainbow Pool with its celebratory fountains, symbolize the unprecedented wartime unity among the forty-eight states, seven federal territories, and the District of Columbia. Bronze ropes tie the columns together, while bronze oak and wheat wreathes represent the nation’s industrial and agricultural strengths. Each column are stationed by order of State admission into the Union alternating back forth from the Rainbow Pool. After the 48 States, also are six territories included.

Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day.

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One of the most visually stunning monuments on the National Mall is also one of its newest. The World War II Memorial pays tribute to the 400,000 people who served in one of the most profound era-altering events in human history and is thus the only 20th century event to be so honored.

Though given the go ahead in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, it was built between 2001 and 2004 when it was open to the public. The completely outdoor fountain based structure is open to the public 24 hours a day and is particularly stunning at night when it is completely lit up. There are also nice views of it from the Washington Monument.

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This located to the left of the Pacific Pavilion. It reads:

"Battle of Midway June 4-7, 1942
They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so they changed the course of a war….even against the greatest of odds, there is something in the human spirit- a magic blend of skill, faith and valor – that can lift men from certain defeat to the incredible victory. ~ Walter Lord, Author"

Located on the National Mall in Washington, DC and dedicated to our 16 million men and women who served and over 400,000 who sacrificed their lives during this conflict from 1939 to 1945. The memorial was dedication was on May 29th, 2004. This memorial has another place in my heart because my mother served during this conflict as a WAC in France and England and boarded the Queen Mary for her return to Delhi, Oklahoma, her hometown.

Open All Year

Closures
December 25th. Memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day.