The World War II Memorial design honors the significant historical event it
commemorates and pays full respect to its magnificent site on the National
Mall. The memorial will be an inviting and welcoming place to celebrate the
American spirit that brought victory of democracy over tyranny, light over
darkness. It will also be a place for quiet contemplation of the sacrifices
made in a common and just cause.
The design is in harmony with its historic surrounding. The vistas from the
Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial are preserved, as are the elm
trees and the site’s park-like setting.
The National World War II Memorial will be the first national memorial
dedicated to all who served during World War II. The memorial will honor all
military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at
large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's
call to arms.
It will be located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at
the Rainbow Pool site at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the
Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. This prominent location is
commensurate with the historical importance and lasting significance of World
War II to America and the world.
President Clinton dedicated the memorial site during a formal ceremony on
Veterans Day, November 11, 1995. The design was created by architect
Friedrich St.Florian.
The memorial will be funded almost entirely by private contributions.
Leading the fund-raising campaign are national campaign chairman Senator Bob
Dole, and co-chairman Frederick W. Smith, president and CEO of FDX Corp.
You can support the World War II Memorial by becoming Charter Member of the
World War II Memorial Society, enrolling members of the World War II
generation in the Registry of Remembrances, or participating in the Donor
Programs.You can write the memorial at:
National World War II Memorial
2300 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 501
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Or call: 1-800-639-4WW2
Or e-mail: custsvc@wwiimemorial.com
The World War II Memorial design honors the significant historical event it
commemorates and pays full respect to its magnificent site on the National
Mall. The memorial will be an inviting and welcoming place to celebrate the
American spirit that brought victory of democracy over tyranny, light over
darkness. It will also be a place for quiet contemplation of the sacrifices
made in a common and just cause.
Field of 4,000 Gold Stars honors more than 400,000 lives lost during the war (Photo by Richard Latoff)
