The National World War II Memorial stands on the National Mall in Washington, DC, at 1750 Independence Avenue SW. It honors the 16 million Americans who served in the Second World War, and it is often called simply the WWII Memorial.
What you will see
The memorial is circular in plan, arranged around open water and stone. Its main features are:
- Fountains that play at its center, giving the open space a steady sound and a place to pause.
- Pillars representing the states and territories of the time, set around the circle so that each part of the country has its own place in the design.
- The Freedom Wall, a long wall that adds to the memorial's commemorative character.
What kind of visit it makes
This is a monument to be walked slowly rather than toured quickly. Visitors tend to move from pillar to pillar, reading the names of the states and territories, and to spend time by the water. It suits anyone interested in American history, in the scale of the war effort, or in the way a nation remembers its service people. Visitors with an interest in military history will find it especially meaningful, though the setting is open to all.
The area around it
The memorial sits on the National Mall, so it fits naturally into a day spent among Washington's other national monuments and museums. Its position on Independence Avenue makes it an easy stop within a longer walk through the city's central parkland.
For questions before you go, the memorial can be reached by telephone at +1-202-426-6841.
