National World War II Memorial

Address:Washington, District of Columbia
Tel: (202) 690-5185

The National World War II Memorial commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the WWII generation. With a design that melds classical and modernist styles and harmonizes with its natural and cultural surroundings, this tribute is both a moving work of art and a significant piece of history.

Sitting between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial has an entrance flanked by 24 bronze bas-relief panels which pay homage to America's WWII experience. Surrounding the plaza are fifty-six 17-foot pillars, symbolizing the states and territories that bonded together during the era of the War, along with 2 grand arches, representing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of battle, which mark the north and south end of the plaza. At the western side of the memorial, visitors can gaze at a field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars which commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. Inscriptions at the base of each pavilion fountain mark key battles, and people often leave photos and mementoes around the memorial, which give the place a more personal touch. There are also ranger stations with brochures and registry kiosks for those who want to look up names of special veterans.

To get to the National World War II Memorial, take Interstates 66 and 395 which provide access to the Mall from the south, or take Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the Cabin John Parkway, which provide access from the north (Interstate 66, Route 50 and 29 provide access from the West. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the East). Pay homage to our troops, and enjoy the architecture while you're there.