World War II Memorial
I visited the National World War II Memorial with Erin shortly after it opened in 2004. I had been looking forward to seeing it because World War II was the war that both my father and my father-in-law served in. For years, I had wondered why there were national memorials honoring the Vietnam and Korean Wars, yet no comparable memorial recognizing the generation that fought and won World War II. I was glad to see that “The Greatest Generation” would finally receive a national tribute.
Located on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, the memorial was dedicated on May 29, 2004. Its design is filled with symbolism. Fifty-six granite pillars represent the states and territories that united in the war effort, while the two triumphal arches honor the victories in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters. The Freedom Wall, with its 4,048 gold stars, reminds visitors of the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives during the war.
As impressive as the memorial is, my emotional response was different from what I have experienced at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Those memorials tell deeply personal stories that immediately draw visitors into the sacrifices of individual soldiers. The World War II Memorial feels more like a national celebration of unity, determination, and victory. It honors an entire generation that answered the call, endured tremendous hardship, and helped preserve freedom around the world.
Standing there, I couldn’t help but think of my father and my father-in-law and the millions of others who served during those difficult years. Their generation rarely spoke about their experiences, yet their sacrifices shaped the world that my generation inherited.
Every visit to Washington reminds me that our national memorials do more than preserve history. They invite us to remember the people behind the events and to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy because of their service.
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