Last updated: January 28, 2026
Place
World War II Memorial
Quick Facts
Location:
Washington, DC
Significance:
Memorial that honors Americans who served in World War II and contributed on the home front
Designation:
Memorial
Amenities
8 listed
Benches/Seating, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Bottle-Filling Station, Wheelchair Accessible
The World War II Memorial stands at the heart of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., framed on its east and west axis by the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. It honors the 16 million American service members who served during World War II, the millions more who supported the war effort from the home front, and the more than 400,000 Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice in the conflict.
Dedicated on May 29, 2004, the memorial blends classical architectural principles with symbolic layering to tell the story of the war and its impact. Architect Friedrich St. Florian’s design was intended not only to commemorate, but also to harmonize with the surrounding historic landscape, preserving views and creating a contemplative space within the openness of the National Mall.
At the core of the memorial is an elliptical plaza anchored by the restored Rainbow Pool and fountains, creating both a visual center and a serene environment for reflection. The water, seats, and steps around the pool draw visitors inward, encouraging pause and contemplation.
Encircling the plaza are 56 granite pillars, representing the 48 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and eight U.S. territories that fought together during the war. The pillars are linked by a bronze rope, symbolizing national unity in the fight against tyranny. Atop each pillar are two bronze wreaths, wheat for agriculture and oak for industry, signifying the country’s combined contributions in food production and industrial strength during the war.
On either side of the plaza stand two 43-foot pavilions, marking the north and south ends of the memorial. These are the Atlantic and Pacific pavilions, named for the two main theaters of the war. Within each pavilion, four bronze eagles hold a laurel wreath, an ancient symbol of victory, and the floors display the World War II Victory Medal along with inscriptions such as “Victory on Land,” “Victory at Sea,” and “Victory in the Air.” These elements emphasize both the triumph and the broad scope of the Allied effort.
Leading into the memorial from 17th Street are 24 bronze bas-relief panels, 12 on the north and 12 on the south, depicting scenes from the war on the home front and in the European and Pacific theaters. These panels visually narrate America’s transformation during the war, from industrial mobilization to battlefield action and civic sacrifice, grounding the memorial in real human stories.
On the west side of the memorial is the Freedom Wall, set with 4,048 gold stars—each star representing 100 American lives lost in World War II. Together, they stand as a stark and compelling manifestation of the human cost of the conflict. The wall bears the inscription “Here We Mark The Price Of Freedom,” reinforcing the monumental sacrifice behind those figures.
Today, the World War II Memorial stands not just as a monument, but as a place of memory, where visitors from around the world can reflect on the complexities of global conflict, honor those who served, and consider the values that were defended during the war. It fuses architectural grandeur with intimate storytelling and deep symbolism, making it one of the most visited and emotionally resonant memorials on the National Mall.