Page Updated: February 07, 2024
World War II Memorial
World War II Memorial - Washington D.C.
The 7+ acre World War II Memorial is located in the National Mall of Washington D.C. Dedicated in 2004, the memorial incorporates bronze sculptures and stone architecture to honor the service of millions of American Armed Forces in World War II. Features and symbolism of the memorial are extensive.
Flanking the ceremonial entrance of the memorial are ornamental parapets. Each is lined with 12 bronze bas-reliefs chronicling moments throughout the war around the globe.
Stone arches mark the north and south entrances to the plaza. Each contains bronze American eagles holding a suspended victory laurel, and the WWII victory medal is inlayed on each pavilion’s floor.
Rainbow Pool commands the center of the memorial. Surrounding it and the plaza are fifty-six granite pillars representing the states, territories and capitol of the United States. Pillars are adorned with inscribed names of a state or territory, laurel wreaths of oak or wheat, and bronzed sculpted rope representing the bonding of the nation.
Perhaps the most impactful feature of the memorial is the Freedom Wall. Here, each gold star on the commemorative wall honors 100 lives lost during World War II.
There are 4,000 stars.
