The World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was opened on April 29, 2004. The purpose of the memorial is to honor the service of the 16 million members of the Armed Forces of the United States, as well as the support of the countless millions on the home front, and the ultimate sacrifice of 405,399 Americans. The design for the memorial was created by Austrian-born architect Friedrich St. Florian, who was selected out of 400 entries in 1997. St. Florian designed the memorial to be a plaza sunken into the ground, with earth berms on the side, allowing for protection of the view between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
Construction on the memorial began in September 2001, with artist Ray Kaskey sculpting the 24 bronze bas-relief panels at the entrance. These panels depict scenes from both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the war, showcasing battles, submarines, paratroopers, the role of women in the war effort, and agriculture. The memorial also features a granite column for each state and U.S. territory that was part of the United States during World War II, as well as a pool with water shooting high in the air. Additionally, there are two victory pavilions, quotes from leaders during the war, and a wall of 4,048 gold stars, each representing roughly 100 American lives lost during the war.
While the memorial opened to the public in April 2004, it was formally dedicated on Memorial Day weekend the following month. The dedication ceremony was attended by a “grand reunion” of World War II veterans, and the memorial was officially dedicated to “The Greatest Generation.” Visitors to the memorial can participate in a special activity of looking for the inscriptions of “Kilroy was here,” which represent the presence of U.S. soldiers during the war. The World War II Memorial is open to the public 24 hours a day, and there is a virtual tour available for those unable to visit in person.
Today, the World War II Memorial continues to stand as a tribute to the sacrifices and service of Americans during the war. The memorial features various elements that tell the story of America’s experience in the war, from battles to the role of women in the war effort. The dedication of the memorial to “The Greatest Generation” serves as a reminder of the bravery and heroism displayed by those who served in World War II. With its unique design and features, the World War II Memorial stands as a testament to the enduring memory of those who fought and gave their lives for the country.
