World War II Memorial
Monument Memorial honoring Americans who served in World War II
Between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, the World War II Memorial uses 56 pillars, two arches, and a central fountain to honor US involvement in World War II; visitors read inscriptions and reflect.
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The World War II Memorial is a national memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., dedicated in 2004 to honor American military service and sacrifice during World War II. The memorial combines a central fountain and plaza with architectural elements that reference both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters.
Major elements include a circular plaza with a central fountain, two large pavilions that denote the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and 56 granite pillars representing U.S. states and territories. Inscribed panels and bronze reliefs convey campaign names and themes of service and sacrifice.
A national design competition selected the memorial’s plan, and construction was completed and dedicated in 2004 following fundraising and site development in the preceding decade.
The memorial is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument at the east end of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on the National Mall.
- Best time to visit: The memorial's layout and reflective pool make sunrise and sunset especially good times for photography and a quieter visit.
- Design detail: The memorial's 56 granite pillars represent the U.S. states and territories and are arranged in a semicircular formation around the central plaza and fountain.
How to Get to World War II Memorial #
The World War II Memorial sits on the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial at 17th St and Constitution Ave NW. The closest Metro access is Smithsonian station (Blue, Orange, Silver lines), about an 8-12 minute walk; Foggy Bottom-GWU is a longer walk from the memorial. From central D.C. it’s a short drive (1-2 miles) via Constitution Ave or 17th St NW.
Tips for Visiting World War II Memorial #
- Visit at sunrise or after dusk for the best light and far fewer visitors-morning calm also gives unobstructed views toward the Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool.
- Walk the full site and cross toward the Lincoln Memorial side to view the World War II Memorial in context with the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial-many visitors only see the plaza.
- Don't miss the Freedom Wall on the eastern side with its gold stars; it's easy to overlook in the central plaza but brings additional historical context without extra crowds.
Best Time to Visit World War II Memorial #
For the World War II Memorial, early mornings in spring or fall are best for mild weather and fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near World War II Memorial #
World War II Memorial's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1037 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (102 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
