Appreciate the World War II Memorial

Introduction

The World War II Memorial was dedicated in 2004 to honor the 16 million American military members who served during World War II, including the thousands of individuals who lost their lives during the war. The structure features a circle of 56 columns, representing the U.S. states and territories from that era, which overlooks the Rainbow Pool. At night, illuminated by lights, the memorial can look almost ethereal. The memorial also includes a wall displaying more than 4,000 gold stars, with each star representing 100 Americans who died in the conflict.

Visiting Experience

Visiting the World War II Memorial can be an inspiring and humbling experience. Although you may encounter many other tourists during the spring and summer seasons, visiting during these times allows you to appreciate the memorial’s water features.

Location and Access

The World War II Memorial is situated on the National Mall’s central pathway, positioned between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. You can reach the site by taking the Metro's Blue, Silver, or Orange line to the Smithsonian station. In addition, the memorial is a popular stop on many of the city's best bus tours.

Hours

The memorial is accessible to the public 24 hours a day. However, National Park Service rangers staff the memorial daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more details, you can visit the official National Park Service World War II Memorial page.