The construction of the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C., stands as an ambitious architectural achievement. It honors the 16 million Americans who served during the war. Additionally, it recognizes the millions who supported the effort at home and the 400,000 who died. The monument spans 7.4 acres between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
Design Selection and Key Vision
Legislative efforts began in 1987 when Representative Marcy Kaptur introduced the World War II Memorial Act. Soon after, Congress approved the project. The American Battle Monuments Commission then launched a national design competition. More than 400 architects submitted proposals. Ultimately, Friedrich St. Florian won the competition in 1997.
Consequently, his plan balanced classical plaza elements with modern landscaping. It also preserved the historic east-west vista across the National Mall. Furthermore, the team lowered the central plaza around the historic Rainbow Pool. The architecture firm LEO A DALY subsequently served as the architect of record.
Engineering and Core Structures
Groundbreaking officially began in September 2001 under general contractor Grunley-Walsh. First, crews excavated the site. Next, they rebuilt the Rainbow Pool with modern water systems, tiered seating, and fountains. As a result, the water feature became the centerpiece of the plaza.
Key Monuments and Memorial Features
The plaza perimeter features several distinct architectural components:
- 56 Granite Pillars: These pillars represent the 48 U.S. states in 1945, the District of Columbia, and seven territories. Moreover, bronze wreaths of oak and wheat adorn each 17-foot column to symbolize industrial and agricultural strength.
- Two 43-Foot Arches: These large pavilions anchor the north and south ends. Therefore, they mark the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of combat. Inside, bronze eagles hold a suspended victory wreath.
- The Freedom Wall: This wall stands on the western edge and holds 4,048 gold stars. Because each star marks 100 fallen Americans, the wall serves as a solemn tribute. An inscription reads, “Here we mark the price of freedom.”
- Bronze Bas-Relief Panels: Twenty-four panels line the entrance ramp. Sculptor Raymond Kaskey created these scenes to depict combat operations and civilian sacrifice.
Stone Inscriptions and Hand-Carved Masonry
Architectural stone detailing is essential to the WWII Memorial. Master carvers incised historical quotations directly into the granite walls on-site. For instance, they carved speeches from Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. You can view our direct masonry work on the Carved Stone Lettering – WWII Memorial project page.
Public Dedication and National Legacy
Fortunately, crews finished the project ahead of schedule. The site opened to the public on April 29, 2004. President George W. Bush officially dedicated the WWII Memorial on May 29, 2004. Thus, it remains an enduring landmark honoring American service and craftsmanship.