World War II Memorial

Overview

The National World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during WWII and the more than 400,000 who died. Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, it opened in 2004.

Highlights

• Freedom Wall: 4,048 gold stars, each representing 100 American service deaths.
• Pavilions: Two 43-foot arched pavilions representing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
• Rainbow Pool: Central fountain flanked by 56 granite pillars representing U.S. states and territories.

History

Designed by Austrian-American architect Friedrich St. Florian and dedicated on May 29, 2004. It was the first national memorial permitted on the central axis of the Mall since the Lincoln Memorial in 1922.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Look for the two hidden "Kilroy Was Here" engravings—a WWII-era graffiti tradition—near the Pennsylvania and Delaware pillars.
• Tip 2: The memorial is beautifully lit at night and always accessible.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes.