National World War II Memorial

Title

National World War II Memorial

Description

The National World War II Memorial opened in 2004 to honor American soldiers and civilians who served during World War II. Supporters spent over 15 years gathering Congressional support and raising money to fund the construction of this memorial. To highlight the national scope of the war effort, 56 granite pillars represent each of the 48 states and 8 US territories in 1945. Two arches stand at the opposite ends of the memorial symbolizing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the War. To remember more than 400,000 Americans who died during World War II, the Freedom Wall includes 4,048 gold stars.

Date

2001 (Groundbreaking)
2004 (Dedicated)

Coverage

2000-present

Physical Description

The size of a city block

Type

Memorials

Description

The National World War II Memorial opened in 2004 to honor American soldiers and civilians who served during World War II. Supporters spent over 15 years gathering Congressional support and raising money to fund the construction of this memorial. To highlight the national scope of the war effort, 56 granite pillars represent each of the 48 states and 8 US territories in 1945. Two arches stand at the opposite ends of the memorial symbolizing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the War. To remember more than 400,000 Americans who died during World War II, the Freedom Wall includes 4,048 gold stars.

Creator

Friedrich St. Florian

Date

2001 (Groundbreaking)

Coverage

2000-present

Geolocation