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WAR MEMORIALS
in Washington, D.C.
article and images by Carole Terwilliger Meyers
After a 59-year wait, the National World War II Memorial was formally dedicated in Washington, D.C. on May 29, 2004. Symbolic of the 20th century’s defining event, it is positioned on the Mall’s central axis in a strategic, and scenic, location between the Washington Monument (a symbol of the country’s 18th-century founding) and the Lincoln Memorial (a symbol of the 19th-century preservation of the union). The Capitol dome is seen to the east, and Arlington Cemetery is just across the Potomac River to the west.
The Announcement Stone proclaims that the memorial honors those “Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice.”
The granite lower plaza of the memorial surrounds the Rainbow Pool (named for the rainbow seen when sunlight hits the spray at a certain angle). Pillars representing U.S. states and territories circle the plaza, and waterfalls and fountains provide a refreshing lift to visitors’ spirits. The Freedom Wall holds 4,000 gold stars honoring those who died, with each star representing 100 servicemen and women. More than 400,000 of the 16 million who served in the armed forces in that war died. Fewer than 4 million of those veterans were alive on that day, but they came out in big numbers to welcome the memorial.
Though the federal government donated $16 million to the memorial fund, it took more than $164 million in private donations to get it built. Tom Hanks’ message that “It’s Time to Say Thank You” was a BIG help.
Even if you missed the dedication and attendant festivities, it is not too late for an inspiring visit. Many children continue to bring their aged veteran parents.
A few hints that will make a visit more enjoyable if you’re traveling with a vet:
•Encourage him/her to proudly wear their medals and their “World War II Vet” caps. It will make them happy, and others who are visiting will probably want to shake their hand.
•Plan to hang out at the memorial for several hours.
•If the vet is disabled, consider renting a wheelchair or an electric scooter.
•Or take a cab. Parking is difficult in the area, and the Metro stop is not close.
•Bring a camera. If you’re not traveling with a vet, offer to take photos for those who are.
•Take time also to visit the Vietnam and Korea memorials.
And note that The World War II Registry of Remembrances--an individual listing of Americans who contributed to the war effort--is at the memorial’s website. It’s not too late to sign up a vet, even one who has passed away.
More Memorials
Arlington National Cemetery Cemetery Tourmobile available from Visitor’s Center.
Korean War Veterans Memorial
US Marine Corps War Memorial Adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
An Exhibit
National Museum of American History In Military History Hall. “The Price of Freedom: Americans at War” surveys the history of the U.S. military from the Colonial era to the present. It is a blend of original objects, first person accounts, video presentations, and interactive experiences.
MORE INFORMATION
Cloud of Goods Information about renting an electric mobility scooter.
Washington, DC Convention & Tourism Corporation Information on lodging, packages, and more.
Carole Terwilliger Meyers blogs at Travels With Carole.
Ms. Meyers is also the author of “Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities”
copyright 2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers; updated 2020
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