The Landscape Architect’s Guide to

Washington, D.C.

The National Mall & Memorial Parks

World War II Memorial

Your Guide
Susan Spain, ASLA
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The World War II Memorial honors “the greatest generation” who had gone through the Great Depression and then went on to fight with the Allies and win the 20th century conflict. The key to victory was unity and sacrifice at home and the ability to become the world’s breadbasket and arsenal. The memorial was consciously placed between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial to reflect the importance of World War II in preserving and internationalizing the democratic ideals won by George Washington and upheld by Abraham Lincoln. At the same time, the Rainbow Pool area was lowered and memorial elements kept to the side to protect the east-west vista between the U.S. Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. 

Learn more about the history of the National World War II Memorial.

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