World War II Memorial

https://www.nps.gov/wwii/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II_Memorial The World War II Memorial is dedicated to Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. Consisting of 56 pillars and a pair of small triumphal arches surrounding a square and fountain, it sits on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on the former site of the Rainbow Pool at the eastern end of the Reflecting Pool, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Through stone architecture and bronze sculptures, the World War II Memorial recognizes the ways Americans served, honors those who fell, and recognizes the victory they achieved to restore freedom and end tyranny around the globe. GPS Coordinates: 38.889413, -77.040553 Address: 1750 Independence Ave. SW, Washington, D.C. Nearest Intersection: 17th St. & Independence Ave. SW A Field of Stars Close up of Gold Stars in the Memorial Paying honor to those that paid the ultimate price. Lady Freedom Walking A close up of one of the Lady Freedom markers One of the two plaques showing a nation answering the call to defend freedom The World War II Memorial at night The World War II Memorial at night The World War II Memorial at night WWII Memorial WWII Memorial panoramic shot A nation pays honor in the center of the capital city to the greatest generatioin Aerial view of World War II Memorial Aerial view of stone columns around an oval-shaped pool at the World War II Memorial. 56 columns represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories at the time of World War II. National Mall and Memorial Parks - 2018 Partnership Report Our generous partners and volunteers provided more than $34 million in philanthropic contributions in 2018 helping us fund preservation projects, programs, commemorations, and celebrations. Aerial photo of the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool National Park Getaway: National Mall & Memorial Parks National Mall and Memorial Parks is a diverse national park with distinctive sites that excite and enchant visitors while they learn the history of our nation. Begin your journey through “America’s Front Yard,” home to some of the nation's more iconic memorials located in the heart of the nation's capital. Cherry blossoms framing the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in the distance June: A Month of Milestones The times are a changin’, and there’s no better time to honor those moments of change than in June. Over the course of America’s history, the month of June is filled with cultural changes, and some seasonal ones too. So just before the season changes and summer begins, take some time to visit these parks that commemorate extraordinary moments. Painting of suffragist on a horse D-Day 75th Anniversary The beaches are now quiet in Normandy, France but seventy-five years ago soldiers heard the shriek of artillery, the crack of gunfire, and the cries of the wounded. On that day, June 6, 1944, the outcome of World War II hung in the balance. The seemingly invincible Nazis had occupied the Europe for the past five years. When the day closed, the "beginning of the end," as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill described the invasion, had started. Black and white photo of the D-Day invasion. V-E Day On May 7, 1945 the Allied forces accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany in Reims, France. Memorial Day - Over 150 Years of Remembrance When did the first Memorial Day happen? The answer is a lot more complicated than you think! Black and white image, in memoriam is on a sign on top of American Flag buntings on a bandstand. The World War II Memorial in Washington DC: An Interpretive Guide Thousands of veterans who served in World War II witnessed the formal dedication of the memorial. Designed by the former chief of the Rhode Island School of Design, Friedrich St. Florian, the memorial illustrates the clear relationship between the home front and the battle front, as Americans at home and those fighting abroad relied upon each other’s support in this defining moment of the 20th Century. aerial view of the World War II Memorial The World War II Home Front An extremely important, but sometimes overlooked, aspect of World War II was America’s overwhelming home front effort. The contributions of millions of stateside Americans to the war effort is commemorated in the World War II Memorial. Woman with sleeves rolled up saying "We Can Do It!" Memorials for the Future Memorials for the Future, is a competition that aims to rethink the way we develop and experience memorials in Washington, D.C. Memorials for the Future Logo Sacrificing for the Common Good: Rationing in WWII During World War II, the United States government created a system of rationing, limiting the amount of certain goods that a person could purchase. Sacrificing certain items during became the norm for most Americans. Bronze wreath on a stone column War Bonds United States citizens’ purchase of government securities during the war made possible the herculean efforts on the battle fronts and the factories and farms of the home front. Norman Rockwell Pearl Harbor and the WWII Memorial The World War II Memorial captures the shock and response to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bas relief of three people tuning an old-fashioned radio National Mall and Memorial Parks - 2019 Partnership Report Our generous partners and volunteers provided more than $34 million in philanthropic contributions in 2018 helping us fund preservation projects, programs, commemorations, and celebrations. Aerial photo of the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool National Parkway Getaway: World War II Memorial Commemorating one of the most honorable displays of American resolve and sacrifice, the World War II Memorial remembers and celebrates the members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America who served their country bravely during the Second World War and those on the home front who diligently supported war efforts. Memorial columns around a fountain at night Battle of the Bulge Burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery One out of every ten American casualties fell during the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-1945, amounting to over 100,000 Americans killed, wounded, or missing. While the dead were initially interred overseas, many were brought home after the war at the request of their family members. Some of them were interred in the Gettysburg National Cemetery. snow covers a line of headstones, each marked with a wreath. World War II Burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery In the immediate aftermath of World War II, Gettysburg National Cemetery, the site of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and final resting place of over 3,500 Federal Civil War dead, expanded by over 500 burials as soldiers were brought back from overseas and buried closer to home. rows of military headstones with a backdrop of trees D-Day Burials in Gettysburg National Cemetery Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 500 WWII casualties, thirteen of whom, all Pennsylvanians, lost their lives during the Normandy Landings--D-Day, June 6th, 1944. a row of US government-issue gravestones with American flags in front of them. Series: World War II and the Gettysburg National Cemetery Originally conceived as a national cemetery for the Federal dead after the battle of Gettysburg, Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place of over 500 American service personnel who gave the last full measure during World War II. A row of US government-issue headstones with American flags marking them. A Very Roosevelt Christmas In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt found his perfect Christmas tree from a tiny island in Maine, just two days after Pearl Harbor. Franklin D. Roosevelt and family in front of the Saint Croix Christmas tree in 1941. Plan Like a Park Ranger: Top 10 Tips for Visiting the National Mall Memorial Day weekend usually marks the beginning of the summer travel season. Across the country, friends, families, and individuals will head out to enjoy adventures and make memories. Of course, national parks - including the National Mall - are popular destinations. To help you #PlanLikeAParkRanger, we're offering our Top 10 tips to help you on your next National Mall visit. Text reading Series: African American History at Gettysburg Abraham Brian, Basil Biggs, James Warfield, and Mag Palm are just a few of the many individuals that were affected by the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg, and each has their own story to tell. We have collected their stories in one place so that you can learn more about their various trials during this tumultuous time in American history. A black and white photograph of a black family posing with a white man and his horse in a dirt road. Sea Level Rise in the DC Area Learn about current and projected rates of sea level rise in the greater DC area, based on local water level data collected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) A tall white cylinder attached to a wooden pier with Hains Point in the background. PT Boats of World War II: From Home Front to Battle PT (Patrol, Torpedo) boats were small, fast, and expendable vessels for short range oceanic scouting, armed with torpedoes and machine guns for cutting enemy supply lines and harassing enemy forces. Forty-three PT squadrons, each with 12 boats were formed during World War II by the U.S. Navy. PT boat duty was very dangerous and the squadrons suffered an extremely high loss rate in the war. About a dozen men, some shirtless, standing in small groups on deck of boat with flag and guns. Submarines in World War II Submarines played a critical role in the Allied success of World War II. Learn about American, German, and Japanese submarines in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. Photo of a long, narrow submarine above water, at a dock. Richmond Tripp Interview Richmond J. Tripp was an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class during World War II. He worked on the USS Ranger and USS Mission Bay, mostly in the Atlantic Theater. He was on a date when he heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Tripp enlisted in the Navy shortly thereafter and was placed on the aircraft carrier USS Ranger with about 5,000 other people. Listen to his interview to learn about his World War II experience. large ship with six airplanes, some vehicles, and many people on deck. NAMA Notebook: Memorial Day Looking for end-of-year projects that use a multidisciplinary approach? Here are some ideas to incorporate the history and symbolism of Memorial Day using sites and stories from the National Mall. Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall with five wreaths in front, row of flags above A Season of Hardship and Struggle: Eisenhower's World War II Christmases For soldiers, especially during wartime, Holiday joy and the comfort of hearth and home are often a very far cry away. This was true as well for General Dwight Eisenhower who experienced several Christmases away from his loving wife and son during the great conflict of World War II. However, there were still glimpses of normalcy and holiday cheer that pushed their way through to the fighting men even during the bloody acts of war. General Dwight Eisenhower seated in his headquarters in Algiers. A United Force: Eisenhower and AAF Strategy for Operation Overlord Dwight Eisenhower's ability to manage multiple commanders and forces did not only apply to ground troops in World War II. Managing the war in the skies above Europe proved equally as important and challenging for Eisenhower and the Allies. Explore this story further here. A black and white image of General Eisenhower seated at a desk with flags in the background "Spine of Steel": Mamie Eisenhower in World War II During World War II, while Dwight Eisenhower ascended to high command and fame, he relied heavily upon his wife, Mamie. Mamie Eisenhower served in her own way during the war, persevering through trials and tribulations to support her husband and her country. a black and white image of Mamie Eisenhower Eisenhower in 1943 1943 was a year of maturation, flexibility, and lessons learned for General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Explore Eisenhower's growth as a commander during the North Africa and Sicily Campaigns with this article. A black and white image of Dwight Eisenhower sitting in uniform reading a letter Series: Eisenhower in World War II When the United States entered WWII, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the Chief of Staff for the Third Army. Less than four years later, he was a 5-star general who commanded millions of soldiers, sailors, and airmen from a broad Allied coalition. Eisenhower became one of the most influential generals in American history. Learn about Ike's rise to prominence and his wartime service and leadership through this series of articles. A black and white image of General Eisenhower standing amidst a crowd of U.S. paratroopers. Eisenhower in 1942 1942 was a year of extraordinary development and growth for Dwight D. Eisenhower. During that year, Ike brought stability to the early U.S. War effort. Before there was the seasoned and confident Eisenhower of 1944, there had to be the Eisenhower of 1942. A black and white image of General Eisenhower and two other officers at the War Department in 1942 A Day When Everything Changed- Dwight Eisenhower and the Attack on Pearl Harbor On December 7, 1941, Dwight Eisenhower was a fifty-one-year-old Bvt. Brigadier General at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. The events of that day would forever change both Eisenhower’s life and the course of world history. Black and white photo of the wreckage of the USS Arizona protruding from the water of Pearl Harbor Eisenhower and Evers: Leaders in War, Leaders for Change Dwight D. Eisenhower and Medgar Evers both served their country in World War II and went on to shape the course of the nation after the war. Explore their stories here. A black and white image of a man standing in a U.S. army uniform “The Decent Things of Life”: Eisenhower, Herbert Kaufman, and the Memory of D-Day In 1963, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of D-Day, General Dwight Eisenhower and his wife Mamie returned to Normandy. Their journey was one of remembrance, not only for themselves, but also for Mrs. Florence Kaufman, who lost her son Herbert on D-Day. Explore this powerful story of "the decent things of life" and how a former 5-star-general took time to remember one family's lost son nearly 20 years after D-Day. A black and white image of two men sitting on a stone wall Documenting History: Eisenhower and the Holocaust General Dwight D. Eisenhower made many decisions in his lifetime, but his passionate pleas to document the atrocities of the Holocaust was among the most important. Explore how Eisenhower and the Allies bore witness to the Holocaust in this article. A black and white image of three men speaking "Masters of the Air": WWII Air War Casualties in Gettysburg National Cemetery Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for some of those who died in the air war above Europe in WWII. General Eisenhower believed these men and their sacrifices made possible the ultimate Allied victory in World War II. Learn more about their stories here. A color image showing a white marlbe headstone with the name Thomas Baum Series: The Eisenhowers and Christmas Whether it was celebrating at their Gettysburg farm or enduring Christmases overseas during World War II, the Christmas season was always full of meaning for Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower. Explore their holiday traditions with this series of articles. A black and white image of the Eisenhower family gathered around a Christmas tree. “This We Shall Remember:” Eisenhower and Victory in Europe In May 1945, General Dwight D. Eisenhower accepted the surrender of Germany, ending World War II in Europe. Eisenhower chose to remember Victory in Europe by actively commemorating the sacrifices and cooperation that made it possible. For Eisenhower and the Allies, the road to victory was not easy. Eisenhower believed that Victory in Europe Day--VE Day--could and should serve as a reminder of the cost of war for future generations. Explore this story further in this article. A light brown paper with red and blue typed text

Here we mark the price of freedom • .— H - 2° <u £ fif o o ~m °- W ? 01 c oQ It*. z=> >n •a • 2 5 S The United States entered the Second World War in 1941 not to conquer, but to liberate a world fast falling to the forces of tyranny. The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in uniform, of whom more than 400,000 gave their lives. It also honors the many millions who supported the war effort on the home front and celebrates the American spirit, national unity, and victory. It recognizes the price paid by families. The blue star signifying a son or daughter in service (flag above) was proudly displayed in windows nationwide. It was all too often replaced by a gold star signifying another casualty of war. (Z o E CD I The war that changed the world also changed life at home. After 1945 education expanded through the G.I. Bill. Technology surged as industries retooled for peace. Women's rights and civil rights made new strides toward that great goal: liberty and justice for all. o EISENHOWER, STAR IN WINDOW, PAINTING PLANE WING: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS; D-DAY INVASION, MARINES IN SOUTH PACIFIC, CARRIER SHIP: NATION AL ARCHIVES; MEMPHIS BELLE: AIR FORCE, ALTUS AFB, OKLA.; LEHIGHTON 4,000 gold stars on the Memorial's Freedom Wall commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. FAMILY: CORBIS/BETTMAN ARCHIVE; 93RD INFANTRY: HULTON/GETTY ARCHIVES; JOHN W BROWN SHIP: PROJECT LIBERTY SHIP; FLAG: NPS; STARS: RICHARD LATOFF/AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION Dec. 7, 1941 Japan attacks Pearl Harbor • Dec. 11, 1941 Germarly declares war on U.S. • June 4-7, 1942 Battle of Midway • June 6, 1944 D-Day • May 7, 1945 Germany surrenders • Aug. 6 & 9, 1945 U.S. drops atomic bombs on Japan • Aug. 14, 1945 Japan surrenders "The Greatest Generation" The memorial celebrates a generation of Americans who emerged from the Depression to fight and win the most devastating war in world history. Americans and their allies triumphed over tyranny. Unprecedented unity at home saw the nation become the world's breadbasket and industrial arsenal. In a spirit of sacrifice, Americans rationed at home and channeled the nation's might to help restore freedom to millions. The World War II Memorial reminds future generations that we must sometimes sacrifice for causes greater than ourselves. This war that changed the world was "fought across six of the world's seven continents and all of its oceans," noted British historian John Keegan wrote. "It killed 50 million human beings, left hundreds of millions of others wounded in mind and body ..." and devastated great parts of the world. After the war, through the innovative Marshall Plan, the United States helped both its allies and former foes rebuild. America continued to play a strong leadership role in world arenas as peacetime life returned. Inscriptions at the base of the pavilion fountains mark key battles. Roll call of the nation: The 56 U.S. states, territories, and District of Columbia that united in a common cause are inscribed on these pillars. OUR DEBT TO THE HEROIC MEN AND VALIANT WOMEN IN THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY CAN NEVER BE REPAID. THEY HAVE EARNED OUR UNDYING GRATIXUDE. AMERICA WILL NEVER FORGET THEIR SACRIFICES. Victory in Europe Day, May 8, 1945 PRESIDENT. HARRY S TRUMAN The Freedom Wall's 4,000 gold stars commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives in the war. All those who served received the WWII Victory Medal (above) that also adorns the pavilion floors. Twin Atlantic and Pacific pavilions symbolize a war fought across two oceans. The World War II Registry is a database of names of Americans in the war effort in uniform or on the home front. Access it through the memorial website www.wwiimemorial.com to enroll individuals. The website tells more about the memorial project. Arsenal of Democracy Wreaths of oak and wheat on each of the memorial's pillars symbolize the nation's industrial and agricultural strength, both of which were essential to the success of the global war effort. A Nation at War On each side of the memorial's ceremonial entrance, located on 17th Street, 12 bas-relief sculptures recall scenes of America at war. In this scene a family gathered around its radio hears President Franklin D. Roosevelt ask Congress for a declaration of war after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in the Hawaiian Islands. Aboard U.S.S. Missouri, Gen. Douglas A. MacArthur, Commander of the Allied Powers in the Pacific, signs documents ending the war on September 2, 1945. About Your Visit An information station is near the memorial. Park rangers are present on site each day except December 25. The memorial may be secured for events celebrating National Independence Day. The World War II Memorial is one of more than 380 parks in the National Park System. The National Park Service cares for these special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. For more information: Nation