The National Mall in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

World War II Memorial

Photographed By Michael Stroud, circa June 2004

1. World War II Memorial Marker

Inscription.

World War II Memorial. . , Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln, one the Eighteenth Century father and the other the Nineteenth Century preserver of our nation, we honor those Twentieth Century Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift of our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice., (Quotations on the Southeast Entrance): , Pearl Harbor , December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy...no matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through absolute victory. , President Franklin D. Roosevelt, They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation. , Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, (Quotations on Northeast Entrance): , They have given their sons to the military services. They have stoked the furnaces and hurried the factory wheels. They have made the planes and welded the tanks, riveted the ships and rolled the shells. , President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women... This was a people's war and everyone was in it. , Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby, (Quotations on the Inside): , D-Day June 6, 1944 , You are about the embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you... I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. , General Dwight D. Eisenhower, We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand and of overwhelming force on the other. , General George C. Marshall, The heroism of our own troops... was matched by that of the armed forces of the nations that fought by our side... they absorbed the blows... and they shared to the full in the ultimate destruction of the enemy. , President Harry S. Truman, Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. , President Harry S. Truman, The War's End , Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death - the seas bear only commerce - Men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. This entire world is quietly at peace. , General Douglas MacArthur, Battle of Midway June 4-7, 1942 , They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so they changed the course of a war... even against the greatest odds, there is something in the human spirit - a magic blend of skill, faith and valor - that can lift men from certain defeat to incredible victory. , Walter Lord, author, (Dedication Inscription):World War II Memorial , George W. Bush , President of the United States, Friedrich St. Florian , Design Architect, American Battle , Monuments Commission , 2004.

Here in the presence of Washington and Lincoln, one the Eighteenth Century father and the other the Nineteenth Century preserver of our nation, we honor those Twentieth Century Americans who took up the struggle during the Second World War and made the sacrifices to perpetuate the gift of our forefathers entrusted to us: A nation conceived in liberty and justice.

(Quotations on the Southeast Entrance):
Pearl Harbor
December 7, 1941, a date which will live in infamy...no matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people, in their righteous might, will win through absolute victory.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation.
Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

(Quotations on Northeast Entrance):
They have given their sons to the military services. They have stoked the furnaces and hurried the factory wheels. They have made the planes and welded the tanks, riveted the ships and rolled the shells.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt

Women who stepped up were measured as citizens of the nation, not as women... This was a people's war and everyone was in it.
Colonel Oveta Culp Hobby

(Quotations on the Inside):
D-Day

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June 6, 1944
You are about the embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you... I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.
General Dwight D. Eisenhower

We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle our flag will be recognized throughout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand and of overwhelming force on the other.
General George C. Marshall

The heroism of our own troops... was matched by that of the armed forces of the nations that fought by our side... they absorbed the blows... and they shared to the full in the ultimate destruction of the enemy.
President Harry S. Truman

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.
President Harry S. Truman

The War's End
Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain death - the seas bear only commerce - Men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. This entire world is quietly at peace.
General Douglas MacArthur

Battle of Midway June 4-7, 1942
They had no right to win. Yet they did, and in doing so they changed the course of a war... even against the greatest

Main Inscription image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 2, 2008

2. Main Inscription

odds, there is something in the human spirit - a magic blend of skill, faith and valor - that can lift men from certain defeat to incredible victory.
Walter Lord, author

(Dedication Inscription):World War II Memorial
George W. Bush
President of the United States

Friedrich St. Florian
Design Architect

American Battle
Monuments Commission
2004

Erected 2004 by American Battle Monuments Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in this topic list: War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #32 Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Former U.S. Presidents: #33 Harry S. Truman, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #34 Dwight D. Eisenhower series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is June 6, 1812.

Location. 38° 53.356′ N, 77° 2.395′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in The National Mall. Marker is on 17th Street Southwest north of Independence Avenue Southwest, on the left when traveling north. On The National Mall between the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1750 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Washington: The Man (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington: The Monument

Pearl Harbor image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

3. Pearl Harbor

(within shouting distance of this marker); Washington: The City (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); John Paul Jones Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named John Paul Jones Memorial (about 400 feet away); A Monumental Legacy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jefferson Pier (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Also see . . .
1. National World War II Memorial. Provides facts and photos of all the bas-relief panels. (Submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

2. National World War II Memorial. National Park Service site on the memorial. (Submitted on December 30, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Admiral Nimitz Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

4. Admiral Nimitz Quote

Roosevelt Quote About the Women's Support of the War Effort image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

5. Roosevelt Quote About the Women's Support of the War Effort

Colonel Hobby Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

6. Colonel Hobby Quote

Eisenhower D-Day Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

7. Eisenhower D-Day Quote

General Marshall Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

8. General Marshall Quote

Truman Quote about the Heroism of the Troops image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

9. Truman Quote about the Heroism of the Troops

The Other Truman Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

10. The Other Truman Quote

General MacArthur Quote on the War's End image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

11. General MacArthur Quote on the War's End

Battle of Midway Quote image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

12. Battle of Midway Quote

Dedication Inscription image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

13. Dedication Inscription

Interpretive Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

14. Interpretive Marker

On either side of the memorial, to the west, are interpretive markers discussing the history of the memorial and explaining the elements of the memorial.

Pacific Memorial Archway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

15. Pacific Memorial Archway

Atlantic Memorial Archway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 2, 2008

16. Atlantic Memorial Archway

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

17. Pearl Harbor

The relief, on the Pacific Side, depicts Americans hearing word of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Swearing In - Oath of Allegiance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

18. Swearing In - Oath of Allegiance

On the Pacific side, a relief showing the swearing in of soldiers recently mobilized.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

19. Embarkation

Shipbuilding image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

20. Shipbuilding

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

21. Agriculture

Submarine Warfare image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

22. Submarine Warfare

A scene from a submarine torpedo room.

Navy in Action image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

23. Navy in Action

Scene from the deck of a carrier.

Amphibious Landing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

24. Amphibious Landing

The relief depicts a scene from one of many amphibious landings in the Pacific Theater.

Jungle Warfare image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

25. Jungle Warfare

Field Burial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

26. Field Burial

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

27. Liberation

The relief depicts POWs being liberated.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

28. V-J Day

The relief depicts Americans receiving the news of the Japanese surrender.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

29. Lend Lease

The first relief on the Atlantic side depicts equipment prepared for Lend-Lease exchanges.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

30. Bond Drive

Women in Military image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

31. Women in Military

The relief depicts women entering the service.

Rosie the Riveter/Aircraft Construction image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

32. Rosie the Riveter/Aircraft Construction

Battle of the Atlantic image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

33. Battle of the Atlantic

Scene from a convoy escort during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Air War/B-17 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

34. Air War/B-17

A scene from an airfield in England.

Paratroopers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

35. Paratroopers

The relief depicts paratroopers exiting an aircraft.

Normandy Beach Landing image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

36. Normandy Beach Landing

Tanks in Combat image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 2004

37. Tanks in Combat

The relief depicts a scene with infantry and armored units confronting the enemy.

Medics in Field image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

38. Medics in Field

Battle of the Bulge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Stroud, June 2004

39. Battle of the Bulge

The relief depicts a scene from the 1944 Battle of the Bulge.

Russians meet Americans at the Elbe image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

40. Russians meet Americans at the Elbe

World War II Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

41. World War II Memorial

Atlantic Archway and Pillars image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 23, 2008

42. Atlantic Archway and Pillars

The archways on the north and south commemorate victory in the two major theaters. Fifty-six pillars on the sides of the archways represent the states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

Freedom Wall image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 27, 2008

43. Freedom Wall

Field of 4,000 Gold Stars honors more than 400,000 lives lost during the war

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 2, 2008

44. World War II Memorial Marker

The World War II Memorial,George Washington Monument,American Flag and P.O.W. Flag.

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 26, 2008

45. World War II Memorial

Memorial Day 2008

National World War II Memorial Inscription-Western Corner-Memorial Day Wreaths image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Tabitha Preast, May 26, 2008

46. National World War II Memorial Inscription-Western Corner-Memorial Day Wreaths

Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid, they have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices. President Harry S. Truman (From President Truman's Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress. April 16, 1945)

Plaque on National WW II Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Volker Schmidt, May 2010

47. Plaque on National WW II Memorial

Veterans Day Commemoration at the World War II Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011

48. Veterans Day Commemoration at the World War II Memorial

Veterans Day at the World War II Memorial image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 11, 2011

49. Veterans Day at the World War II Memorial

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 5,559 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on May 3, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 3. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6, 7. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 9. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 10. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 11. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 12. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 13. submitted on December 27, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 14. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 15. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 16. submitted on May 3, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 17. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 18. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 19, 20, 21. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 22, 23. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 24. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 33, 34. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 35. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 36. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 37. submitted on May 30, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 38. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 39. submitted on December 26, 2007, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 40, 41, 42. submitted on April 5, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 43. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 44. submitted on May 5, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 45, 46. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Tabitha Preast of Hanover, Maryland. 47. submitted on May 1, 2011, by Volker Schmidt of Albstadt, Germany. 48, 49. submitted on November 12, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.