National World War II Memorial

Pros: A long overdue site that is coming into reality.
Cons: Too many have died before they had the opportunity to see this site.

In the last few years I have been watching the progress of this new and long overdue memorial that's purpose is to honor all those who served in the war, the 400,000 men and woman who died, and all those who helped in the war effort at home. WHAT ...

Pros: It’s about time we recognized our WWII Vets; beautiful architecture
Cons: I wish it were more educational

I visited the new National World War II Memorial in early May, the second weekend it was open to the public. The official dedication ceremony is to take place this weekend, and our nation’s capital is all abuzz. I am glad that I was able to ...

Pros: Everything, particularly the quotes and the amazing sound described.
Cons: The long wait for it's creation.

While living in DC last fall for a few months, I had the distinct pleasure of being able to visit most of the memorials and museums. Of all that I visited, the WWII was my favorite. Perhaps it is the poignancy of walking on ground dedicated to people ...

Pros: Pleasing and grand monument, long overdue commemoration to those who participated in WWII.
Cons: Simplistic design falls short of showing sacrifice or evoking emotion.

I am an amateur military history buff and have read enough about WWII to know something about it without having lived through it. I am writing this after a first-time visit this past Memorial Day weekend. As a typical neo-classical memorial design, ...

Pros: Shows support to those who served.
Cons: N/A

I have made it a point to visit just about every memorial Washington DC has to offer. I took the chance to see the new WW2 Memorial when I was home on leave in August 2004. It is a good dedication with a lot of meaning behind it.

Everything means something; from the golden stars that represent those who died to the wreaths surrounding the memorial which stand for the State and Territory's that participated in the War.

I would recommend visiting at night time. Not only is it cooler with less people, but you also get to see the memorial with the lights on with a night backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial.