World War II Memorial Information

Washington, D.C., US

World War II Memorial Information
World War II Memorial Information
Location
Washington, D.C., US
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
38.888428906, -77.040751306
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The National World War II Memorial, situated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., stands as a solemn tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and those who supported the war effort from the home front. Dedicated on May 29, 2004, the memorial occupies a significant site between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, creating a powerful visual axis in the heart of the capital. Visitors to this iconic bucket list destination can expect a grand architectural composition featuring 56 granite pillars arranged in a semicircle around a central plaza and fountain. The memorial is designed to honor the spirit and sacrifice of a generation, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. When planning your trip ideas for exploring the capital, this site serves as a cornerstone of American history. The open-air design allows for a seamless integration with the surrounding parkland, making it one of the most visited local attractions for those interested in 20th-century history. Whether you are walking the perimeter to view the state and territory markers or observing the intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes of the war, the experience is both educational and deeply moving. It is recommended to visit during the morning or early afternoon to fully appreciate the scale of the architecture under natural light.

General information

The National World War II Memorial, situated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., stands as a solemn tribute to the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces, the more than 400,000 who died, and those who supported the war effort from the home front. Dedicated on May 29, 2004, the memorial occupies a significant site between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, creating a powerful visual axis in the heart of the capital. Visitors to this iconic bucket list destination can expect a grand architectural composition featuring 56 granite pillars arranged in a semicircle around a central plaza and fountain. The memorial is designed to honor the spirit and sacrifice of a generation, providing a space for reflection and remembrance. When planning your trip ideas for exploring the capital, this site serves as a cornerstone of American history. The open-air design allows for a seamless integration with the surrounding parkland, making it one of the most visited local attractions for those interested in 20th-century history. Whether you are walking the perimeter to view the state and territory markers or observing the intricate bas-reliefs depicting scenes of the war, the experience is both educational and deeply moving. It is recommended to visit during the morning or early afternoon to fully appreciate the scale of the architecture under natural light.

Did you know

  • The memorial features 56 granite pillars, each 17 feet tall, representing the states and territories of the United States in 1945.
  • The central feature is the Rainbow Pool, which was restored and incorporated into the memorial's design.
  • The 'Wall of Stars' contains 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 American military deaths during the war.

History

The movement to build a national memorial began in 1987 when Representative Marcy Kaptur introduced legislation to authorize the project. Following years of design competitions and public hearings, the American Battle Monuments Commission oversaw the construction. The site was formally dedicated on May 29, 2004, during a four-day reunion event that brought thousands of veterans to the capital. The design, created by architect Friedrich St. Florian, was selected for its classical aesthetic, which complements the existing Neoclassical monuments on the National Mall.

Cultural significance

The World War II Memorial serves as a site of national pilgrimage, representing a pivotal era in global history. It honors the 'Greatest Generation' by acknowledging both the military personnel and the civilian workforce that sustained the war effort. It acts as a bridge between the American Civil War era, represented by the Lincoln Memorial, and the modern era, grounding the history of the 20th century in the physical landscape of the capital. The site is frequently used for commemorative ceremonies and veteran reunions.

Geography and landscape

The memorial is located on the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool, occupying a 7.4-acre site on the National Mall. Its geography is defined by the central sunken plaza and the Rainbow Pool, which serve as the focal point. The site is bounded by 17th Street to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. The landscape design utilizes granite, bronze, and water to create a formal, symmetrical environment that aligns with the monumental core of Washington, D.C.

More facts

  • Imported from Wikidata

Nearby attractions