Countless memorials and monuments around the world commemorate the heroes and victims of the Second World War, which ended in Europe on May 8, 1945 with the victory of the Allied forces against Nazi Germany. In the US, May 8 is “Victory in Europe Day”. The final end of the war is celebrated on August 14, the day of the armistice with Japan.
World War II Memorial
The World War II Memorial is a national memorial in the United States dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II.
Dedicated on May 29, 2004, this tribute to the legacy of “The Greatest Generation” sits at the heart of the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
The World War II Memorial is a large stone plaza designed by architect Friedrich St. Florian. The plaza forms a ring of columns representing the U.S. states and territories, joined together by a bronze cord symbolizing their united effort.
Throughout the memorial, quotes from notable political leaders, commanding officers, and intellectuals chronical the impressive effort Americans undertook to achieve victory and emphasize the dedication and sacrifice of all American citizens during this time.
Rainbow Pool
TheThe historic waterworks of the Rainbow Pool are completely restored and contribute to the celebratory nature of the memorial.
The design provides seating along the pool circumference for visitors. Semi-circular fountains at the base of the two memorial pavilions and waterfalls flanking the Freedom Wall complement the waterworks in the Rainbow Pool.
Bas Relief Sculpture
A series of bas-relief sculptures recalls scenes of America at war on the battlefield, military mobilization, and the home front.
Bas relief artwork by Ray Kaskey Studios depicts the many facets of the American war effort both on the homefront and the battle front. The bas-reliefs consist of 24 separate panels. The 12 on the north depict the Atlantic front; the 12 on the south depict the Pacific front.
The unifying theme of the panels is the transformation of America caused by the country’s total immersion in World War II. The panels depict the all-out mobilization of America’s agricultural, industrial, military, and human resources that transformed the country into the arsenal of democracy as well as the breadbasket of the world.
Vicotry Pavilions
Two victory pavilions, repesenting the Atlantic and Pacific theaters where the war was fought, house massive bronze sculptures of eagles laying laurel wreaths above a representation of the Victory Medal. At the base of each pavilion is a pool with the names of campaigns and battles of each theatre of the war.
The Peace Wall
At the west side of the memorial, 4,048 gold stars each represent 100 American servicemen who gave their lives in the conflict.
Leading to the monumental complex is the Peace Wall with 4,048 gilded stars – one star for 100 fallen.
Lest We Forget
The World War II Memorial is one of the most popular sites on the National Mall. The importance of this memorial is significant, for not only does it educate and honor the sacrifices made in the past, but also it recognizes the price paid by many American families and provides solace to those who have lost so much.
The memorial’s beautiful and tranquil design evokes solemn remembrance and appreciation for the valiant efforts of the entire country’s fight against tyranny and oppression and reminds future generations of the continued relevance and honor in fighting for freedom and equality.
World War II Memorial Registry
About the National Mall at Washington DC
The core area of the National Mall extends between the United States Capitol grounds to the east and the Washington Monument to the west and is lined to the north and south by several museums and a federal office building. The term National Mall may also include areas that are also officially part of neighboring West Potomac Park to the south and west and Constitution Gardens to the north, extending to the Lincoln Memorial on the west and Jefferson Memorial to the south.
National Mall at Washington DC
This link to this non-profit organisation that was setup to preserve and conserve the National Mall is not an endorsement of the course personally, but they do have a very detailed and interesting explanation on the two centuries of the Mall.
Visited Aug 2022
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