10 facts about the World War II Memorial in Washington DC

The WWII Memorial is one of the newest additions to the National Mall in Washington D.C. It is circular in shape and fountains are placed in its center. It sits between the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool with the Lincoln Memorial on the other side of the pool.

The World War II Memorial was established to honor the hundreds of millions of people who served, the hundreds of thousands of people who died, and also those who helped support soldiers in battle. 

10 facts about the World War II Memorial in Washington DC

1. The World War II Memorial was completed and opened to the public on April 29, 2004, and was dedicated one month later on May 29 by President George W. Bush. At 4-day "grand reunion" of veterans was held, notes the National Park Service (NPS).

2. This memorial was designed by Friedrich St. Florian, an Austrian-American architect. St. Florian's design was chosen after it was the winning entry in a competition.

3. The memorial is comprised of granite, bronze, and water. 

4. Each wall contains many famous quotes from various historical figures. Additionally, there are sections which commemorate famous battles and military campaigns which occurred during WWII. 

5. The wall of stars on the memorial totals 4,048.


6. The 48 states (during WW II), 7 federal territories and District of Columbia are each represented on the memorial with its own granite pillar and wreath.

7. The tall stones on either end of the memorial represent the Atlantic and Pacific victories. Each one is 43 feet tall.

8. The WW II Memorial sits between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.

9. Before the WW II Memorial was built, the site was known as the "Rainbow Pool".

10. Somewhere on the WWII Memorial “Kilroy Was Here” graffiti is present in two places. 

Many people come to the World War II memorial each year, including veterans. NPS estimates 4.4 million people a year come to visit. 

The World War II Memorial is located at 1750 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. and is open 24 hours (except Sundays which is 7 am to 9 pm).