WWII MEMORIAL

NATIONAL WWII (WORLD WAR) II MEMORIAL

National WWII Memorial in Washington, DC

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The National WWII Memorial is located in Washington, DC and was commemorated by five Presidents on Memorial Day, May 30, 2004. The Memorial was built almost 60 years after WWII and is currently the most popular Memorial for tourists in Washington, DC. Legislation for the Memorial was introduced by Representative Marcy Kaptur of Ohio and signed by President William Clinton in the 90's. The Memorial was started in 2001 and finished in 2004.

It is located between the Washington and Lincoln Memorials. The 54 pillars which celebrate each state and territory which fought in WWII are 16 feet high and frame the other Memorials on the Mall. The best source of visual information on the Memorial is "Jewel of the Mall" a photographic book by Stephen R. Brown. In the interests of "disclosure", I am Stephen R. Brown, the author, photographer and designer of that book which took two and half years to photograph and another six months to write and design. I refer you to the National Park Service Traveler for a less biased although "brilliant review." The introduction to the book is by Senator Robert Dole who is also credited with raising most of the money needed to build the Memorial. He was helped with the fund raising by Frederick Smith, CEO and founder of Federal Express. The best text exposition on the WWII Memorial is by "Their Last Battle: The Fight for the National World War II Memorial."

The Memorial was designed by Friedrich St. Florian and took ten years from the initial law to completion, much of the time in controversy about the views down the Mall. "Friends of the WWII Memorial" a group of the original "site selectors" and advisors to the Memorial was formed to make sure the remaining 20 million dollars raised is spent on the upkeep of the Memorial. There is one main fountain and five minor fountains all of which are lighted and rumored to have a sonic harmony. I recommend you see the Memorial at Dawn or Dusk when the light is most dramatic.

My book and other books of note specifically about the Memorial can be found at the FDR Memorial. There is currently no bookstore for the WWII Memorial although there is great demand. These books can also be found on Amazon.
The World War II Memorial
WWII Memorial - A Testament to Freedom DVD
The Greatest Generation
National Park Service Book
Their Last Battle: The Fight for the National World War II Memorial
One Soldier's Story: A Memoir by Bob Dole

General Information about the Memorial

The WWII Memorial blog that accompanies the book site is updated twice weekly and covers activities that occur at the Memorial which has draws an estimated 20 million visitors a year. The Memorial itself is 7.8 acres of granite surrounding a reflecting pool. The central element is the "Wall of Stars" which contains 4000 stars, each commemoratiing 100 soldiers killed. The Memorial is seemingly simple but its statuary, bas reliefs and extensive use of carved type make it worth several visits. Even the legendary Kilroy has his place but you'll have to find him yourself. The Memorial is a seemingly simple oval but its size, sculpture, and clever use of both sculptural symbolism, bas reliefs and quotations give it great depth as an experience.. Even the legendary Kilroy is a feature of the Memorial but you'll have to track him down yourself.

Sculpture

The WWII Memorial is also the largest sculptural bronze project in recent history. There are eight large eagles designed and built by Raymond Kaskey and put together by Apex Piping (see left) (four to a set holding up a laurel wreath between their beaks) which are in the North and South enclosures. Each pillar is adorned with a wreath symbolizing the efforts of our citizenry on the Home Front and the pillars are connected by a six inch thick bronze rope. As you enter the Memorial from the East, there are 24 2x5 foot bas reliefs containing a total of 255 figures depicting scenes from the war and the Home Front. Even the flag poles as you enter the Memorial are bronzed and have the insignia of the various armed forces at the base.
The eagles and bas reliefs were fabricated over a two and one-half year period at Laran Bronze in Chester, Pennsylvania. They were then trucked to the site, lifted into place and finally welded together by Apex Piping. The stone carving was done by the father/son team of Nick and John Benson and Joe Moss, all of whom had worked on numerous fine art sculpture projects throughout the DC area.

Principle Activities at the Memorial

One of the most significant activities centered around the Memorial is a group called "HonorFlight' which flies WWII veterans for free to the Memorial from all over the country. As of this November, they will have flown somewhere between 15,000 and 18,000 veterans to the Memorial. The flights land on Wednesdays and Saturdays and Senator Robert Dole is there to greet everty flight. He just did a PSA for Honor Flight and announced a goal of raising 10 million dollars before Veterans Day. Given his past record, he may make achieve his goals. He's an interesting and determined guy!

In addition to Honor Flights, there are lectures on military battles, concerts, school and civic groups meeting on the Memorial plaza. It's ampitheatre like shape make it perfect for every conceivable group to meet and celebrate and on hot days, everybody daintily dips their feet in the water to cool off from Washiington's ferocious heat.

Parking for Visitors

There are a limited number of handicapped parking spots adjacent to the Memorial but parking is best had along the River or at the Jefferson Memorial lot shown in the map which can be enlarged by clicking.

©These images are all copyrighted Stephen R. Brown collectively and as both a published and unpublished set with the Library of Congress. I would ask that you enjoy the images and if you would like to explore the subject more, buy the book "WWII Memorial: Jewel of the Mall." Please do not download or store these images on your computer for anything other than personal use.