Aerial View
Located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the location of the WWII Memorial was controversial. Due to its location between two iconic structures, the World War II Memorial was designed to be experienced as a space rather than a single object. By 2008 the memorial was very popular with the visiting public.
Image: National Park Service
Entry Pavilions
The Memorial’s tallest entry pavilions representing the European and Pacific theaters of World War II, are situated north and south in order to not interrupt the view between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The World War II medal of victory is on the pavilion floor.
Image: American Society of Landscape Architects
Quiet Separation
Visitors enjoy the sound of water, which creates the feeling of quiet separation from the nearby road.
Image: American Society of Landscape Architects
The Memorial at Night
Rainbow Pool jets mask the noise of traffic and create a restful ambiance day and night.
Image: National Park Service
A Field of Gold Stars
The field of more than 4,048 gold stars at the memorial – each star represents 100 service members killed.
Image: American Society of Landscape Architects
Flagpoles
Two massive flagpoles with six-sided base represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
Image: National Park Service
Symbolic Columns
Fifty-six granite columns for states, territories and the District of Columbia frame the rebuilt Rainbow Pool, forming two half-circles each linked by braided bronze rope signifying the ties that bind our nation together. Each column has two wreaths: oak symbolizing industrial strength, and wheat symbolizing agricultural productivity.
Image: National Park Service
Unity
The columns are linked together by bronze rope signifying unity.
Image: National Park Service
Bas-relief
There are 24 bas-relief sculptures on the entry walls illustrating the battlefront and homefront. Two massive flagpoles with six-sided bases representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine; and 10 inscriptions with WWII quotations.
Image: National Park Service
Victory Wreath
Eagles hold victory wreaths in each of the entry pavilions.
Image: National Park Service
Gateway Fountains
Quotations are inscribed on walls flanking the gateway fountain. They can be seen at the edge of this photo.
Image: National Park Service
Coordinated Details
Look for coordinated details such as these drainage grates.
Image: National Park Service
Medallion
Medallion under the entry pavilions.
Image: National Park Service
Inscribed Quotations
There are 10 inscriptions throughout the site with World War II quotations.
Image: American Society of Landscape Architects
Inscribed Quotations
Quotations are inscribed on walls throughout the memorial.
Image: American Society of Landscape Architects
Entry Inscription
This inscription is near the entry to World War II Memorial.
Image: National Park Service
KILROY WAS HERE
A copy of a cartoon, KILROY WAS HERE, drawn by World War II soldiers around the world, is located near the pump house entries.
Image: National Park Service