2006 OAH Convention Supplement

Newcomers to the National Mall: The National World War II Memorial

Anne Rothfeld

Located on the Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the World War II Memorial opened to veterans and visitors on Memorial Day weekend 2004. The memorial occupies 7.4 acres and honors over sixteen million U.S. servicemen who fought during World War II. Organizers intend the site to commemorate a generation of Americans who united to defend American principles and ideals against fascist governments in Europe and Asia. This is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served in the war theatres.

In 1993, Congress approved the building of the memorial, and began soliciting architectural designs. The Commission of Fine Arts and the National Capital Planning Commission selected and approved Friedrich St. Florian's design in 1998, with final design approvals made in 2000. Construction began in 2001. Funding for the memorial included both cash and pledges and federal appropriations totaling over $195 million.

The memorial's main features include the Memorial Plaza and Rainbow Pool. Visitors walk along ceremonial ramps to enter the Plaza from 17th Street. The Plaza's base is made of granite and bronze and adorned with service seals from each of the armed forces, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Corps, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine. Additionally, twenty-four bas-relief panels along the sides of the ceremonial entrance depict Americans at work and play during the war, both overseas and on the home front.

The memorial's pavilions, pillars, and commemorative area create a sense of distinction and of quietude. The pavilion's design consists of two 43-foot markers, measuring 384 feet in length, leading to 4 bronze columns each with an American eagle holding a victory laurel. Inlayed on the pavilions' floors are victory medals: Victory on Land, Victory at Sea, and Victory in the Air. Fifty-six pillars surround the plaza and are connected by bronze sculptured rope, symbolizing the nation's unity during the war years. Each state and territory is represented by a 17-foot pillar adorned with oak and wheat wreaths. Four thousand gold stars on the Freedom Wall in the Commemorative Area recognize over 400,000 servicemen who gave their lives. During the war, gold stars found in windows signified a family's sacrifice.

The Rainbow Pool offers a seating area and flanks the Freedom Wall. Semicircular fountains and waterfalls complete the vista. Elm and flowering trees surround the memorial, creating a park of sorts.

The memorial is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about visiting the memorial, accessibility, parking, directions, special events and other details, please visit the National Park Service Web site at <http://www.nps.gov/nwwm> or call the Park Service at 202-619-7222.