The angled piece of granite at the entrance to the World War II Memorial reads: "Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln, one the eighteenth century father and the other the nineteenth century preserver of our nation, we honor those twentieth century 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."InscriptionsGranite slab, entranceHE
One of three entrances to the World War II Memorial, this "victory pavilion" houses a dramatic sculpture of bald eagles laying a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory. On the floor, find a depiction of the victory medal presented to each servicemember at the end of the war.InscriptionsEntrance floorWorld War II1941-1945Victory on LandVictory at SeaVictory in AirPool edgeNORTH AFRICABATTLE OF THE ATLANTICMURMANSK RUNTUNISIASOUTHERN EUROPESICILYSALERNOANZIOROMEPO VALLEYNORMANDYST.
Twelve "bas-relief" or shallow sculptures line the wall on the north side of the World War II Memorial's entrance. They illustrate the American expereince in the Atlantic theater of war, from the United States' Lend-Lease policy of providing aid to friendly countries before Pearl Harbor to the US Army meeting the Soviet Red Army at the Elbe River in Germany, an event that signaled the ending of the war in Europe. Inscriptionscorner pillar, side of bas reliefsWomen who stepped
Twelve "bas-relief" or shallow sculptures line the wall on the south side of the World War II Memorial entrance. They illustrate the American expereince in the Pacific theater of war, from the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor to the end of the war on V-J, or Victory in Japan, Day. Inscriptionscorner pillar, bas relief sideThey fought together as brother-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.Admiral Chester W. Nimitzcor
A stone inscription near the entrance to the World War II Memorial noting the the year that the memorial was dedicated, 2004, the president in office, George W. Bush, the design architect of the memorial, Freidrich St. Florian, and the organization that built the memorial, the American Battle Monuments Commission. <br />Inscriptions<br />WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL<br />George W. Bush<br />President of the United States<br />Friedrich St. Florian<br />Design Architect<br />American Battle<br />Monuments Commission<br />2004<br />
The World War II Memorial visitor contact station is a good place to get visitor information and to interact with the digital World War II registry presented on three touchscreen monitors.
“Kilroy was here”, accompanied by a cartoon drawing of a man looking over a wall, was a popular piece of graffiti drawn by American troops in the Atlantic Theater and then later in the Pacific Theater. It came to be a universal sign that American soldiers had come through an area and left their mark. There are two Kilroy inscriptions hidden in the memorial tucked in the corners of both the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the memorial. Can you find them?
One of three entrances to the World War II Memorial, this "victory pavilion" houses a dramatic sculpture of bald eagles laying a laurel wreath, symbolizing victory. On the floor, find a depiction of the victory medal presented to each servicemember at the end of the war.InscriptionsEntrance floorWorld War II1941-1945Victory on LandVictory at SeaVictory in AirPool edgePEARL HARBORWAKE ISLANDCHINA BURMA INDIABATAAN CORREGIDORCORAL SEASOUTHWEST PACIFICMIDWAYGUADALCANALNEW GUINEA
Bob Dole fought and was severly wounded in World War II. After serving as a congressman and senator, Dole became the national chairman of the World War II Memorial Campaign which raised funds for the construction of the World War II Memorial. This plaque honors his unique contribution to this memorial. <br />Inscriptions<br />A Grateful Nation Hereby Recognizes<br />Senator Robert J. Dole of Kansas<br />For His Tireless Support of America's Veterans and the World War II Memorial<br />
These 4,048 gold stars represent Americans who gave their lives in service during World War II. Each star represents approximately 100 service members.InscriptionsPool edgeHERE WE MARK THE PRICE OF FREEDOMWaterfall sidesOur debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.President Harry S. TrumanThe Heroism of our troops...was matched by that of the A
The World War II Memorial honors the men and women who joined together to defeat tyranny and restore freedom around the globe. Through stone and sculpture, the memorial honors both uniformed service and the effort on the homefront.
