World War II Memorial -D.C.

Americans came to liberate, not to conquer, to restore freedom and to end tyranny

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.


The memorial was funded primarily by private contributions. The fund-raising campaign was led by National Chairman Senator Bob Dole and National Co-Chairman Frederick W. Smith (Chairman of FedEx)

The memorial opened to the public on April 29, 2004 and was dedicated one month later on May 29.

You enter by two ramps to the sunken pool which passes by two giant arches representing the two fronts of the war. Once you are in the sunken area of the reflecting pool and water spouts, you are drawn closer to a field of 4,00 gold stars, each representing 100 service persons lost during the war. You cannot touch them; nevertheless, from each, the glow of sacrifice and freedom are there for generations to hold in highest regard.

The memorial has fifty six (56) pillars representing the unity of the States and Territories; each pillar has the name of each state engraved upon its granite base.

They came to tell their story and all were eager to hear

They came with their ball hats engraved with their outfit's name. They came with company patches freshly sewn on their sleeve. They came in wheelchairs resisting aid up the ramp.

They shared their experiences with their families, many for the first time

This veteran shares his memories and experiences of 58 years ago

Thank you for coming and for your service

The warriors of the future

The warriors of yesteryear

D-Day June 6, 1944


"You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you....I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle."

Five Star General Dwight D. Eisenhower

"Duty, Honor, County, those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you want to be, what you can be, what you will be. They are your rallying point to build courage when courage seems to fail, to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith, to create hope when hope becomes forlorn. Unhappily, I possess neither that eloquence of diction, that poetry of imagination, nor that brilliance of metaphor to tell you all that they mean."

Five-Star General Douglas MacArthur, May 12, 1962

Five years ago, the last time we were here, we didn't see as many in wheel chairs as today. By attrition their numbers are vanishing, bless them for coming to their place of honor, we listen to their stories but only they know what memories are carried in their hearts.


The final roll call will eventually come for these men of "The Greatest Generation", by their presence here it gives them a sense of catharsis and to discreetly shed a tear for their fallen comrades.


We are grateful and thank them for their service to our country. With this memorial, their deeds will never be forgotten. Our freedom is not free......


"The Shadows are lengthening for me. The twilight is here. My days of old have vanished - tone and tints. They have gone glimmering through the dreams of things that were. Their memory is one of wondrous beauty, watered by tears and coaxed and caressed by the smiles of yesterday. I listen then, but with thirsty ear, for the witching melody of faint bugles blowing reveille, of far drums beating the long roll."
 
“Their story is known to all of you; it is the story of the American man at arms."