Entering the World War II Memorial

A very emotional, contemplative, and beautiful visit begins here.

Entering the World War II Memorial

The Pacific Arch entering the memorial from the east

Atlantic Arch

As you enter the memorial, the Atlantic Arch is on your right.

The Gold Star Wall

At the far end of this picture, you can see the Gold Star Wall and the Lincoln Memorial.

Here We Mark the Price of Freedom

A closer view of the Gold Star Wall. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who died during the war. There are 4,000 stars on the wall. At its base, obscured in this picture by the many personal tributes left there on Memorial Day, the inscription reads "Here We Mark the Price of Freedom"

Wyoming's Pillar

Each state and territory has a pillar with two bronze wreaths - facing in, an oak wreath; facing out, a laurel wreath. The pillars are joined with a bronze rope, symbolizing unity.

The Heroism of our Allies

President Truman's tribute to the armed forces of our Allies. This inscription is on the right hand side of the Gold Star Wall, a reminder that many other countries paid heavy prices in the conflict.

The Rainbow Pool and Pacific Arch

This pool is called the Rainbow Pool - it was on the Mall before and was restored for the Memorial. Inside the Pacific Arch, as in the Atlantic Arch, you can see  four bronze eagles.

Our Debt

President Truman's tribute to the heroic men and women of the "Greatest Generation." This inscription is on the left hand side of the Gold Star Wall.

Washington Monument, Rainbow Pool

The view from the Gold Star Wall, looking east.

Pacific Arch

While the Atlantic Arch was the more visited part of the monument, in thanks to the Marine Corps, I decided to take more pictures of the Pacific Arch. At its base is a small pool, and above the pool are three large inscriptions marking the parts of the theater. At the base of the pool, the major battles of the Pacific are inscribed, beginning with Pearl Harbor.

Indiana's Pillar

For my parents.

Then and Now

Our Armed Forces find inspiration at the Memorial.

New Mexico's Pillar

And the Washington Monument in the background.

A Date Which will Live in Infamy

President Roosevelt's famous quote from his speech to Congress in December 1941.

Atlantic Arch

The base of the Atlantic Arch, with a prophetic inscription.

D-Day

Lining the walkway into the memorial, there are several bronze reliefs depicting people to whom we owe a debt of gratitude. This relief shows the Army coming on shore at Normandy on D-Day.

D-Day in the Air

The paratroopers.

Air Corps

The flyboys prepare for take-off. Note the dog!

Navy Guarding the Skies

Antiaircraft fire from our boys on the boats.

Rosie (and Ralph?) the Riveter

Meant to symbolize that women AND men worked together to win the war.

Here come the Women!

Women getting ready to ship out to help in the struggle. Another dog makes an appearance!

Looking Back

As I was leaving I took one more look back at the Pacific Arch.

Looking Back II

And a last look at the Gold Star Wall

Looking Back III

And another look back at the Atlantic Arch