Summary:
I think many people would say "Well, it's about time." now that the World War II Veterans Memorial is open.

The memorial opened on April 29, 2004. It seems odd to have taken so long to dedicate a memorial to the men and women who fought in World War II. But in some way its in keeping with the humility of those people who so faithfully served their country.

While the memorial is certainly commanding and has inscriptions and bas-relief panels in keeping with such an important site, the large Rainbow Pool with its wonderful fountains also attracts large crowds on warm days.

The memorial is on 17th street between the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool in Memorial Park. It creates a triangle with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean Veterans Memorial.

There are two 43 foot pavilions with bronze baldacchinos ( a stone or marble structure built in the form of a canopy, especially over the altar of a church.). The pavilions are marked Atlantic and Pacific.

In a ring there are 56 pillars, each with two oak and wheat bronze wreaths on each one. The pillars are inscribed with each state state and territory of that time.

There are 24 bronze bas relief sculptures, 12 on each side of the main entrance. There are also inscriptions carved into the granite around the memorial.

And finally on the western end there is a Freedom Wall with 4,000 sculpted gold stars.

Accessibility:
There are ramps down the two edges into the sunken fountain area. The memorial should be easy access for wheelchairs or other special assistance needs.

Activities:
While I know that several people wanted to go in the water, I didn't see anyone 'accidentally' fall in. There are no specific names on the memorial. Coming here you can enjoy the sound of the falling water, read the inscriptions, admire the bas-relief and other architectural art work.

A good suggestion I read on another site. If you see a vet and his family, think of volunteering to take their picture together. And take your children. Talk to them of the terrible cost of war and the even more severe price of freedom.

Area Attractions:
See our attractions page for a full list.

Food & Sundries:
There are restaurants in the area, especially to the east along Water St. Try a cafeteria in one of the local government office buildings for something a little more inexpensive. And who knows who you might run in to now that politicians aren't accepting meals from lobbyists.

Directions:
Interstates 66 and 395 provide access to the Mall from the south. Interstate 495, New York Avenue, Rock Creek Parkway, George Washington Memorial Parkway,provide access from the North. Interstate 66, Route 50 and 29 provide access from the West. Routes 50, 1, and 4 provide access from the East.

Local Towns:
Alexandria ,  Arlington ,  Centreville ,  Chantilly ,  Dulles ,  Dumfries ,  Fairfax ,  Falls Church ,  Herndon ,  Lorton ,  Manassas ,  Mclean ,  Reston ,  Rosslyn ,  Springfield ,  Sterling ,  Triangle ,  Vienna ,  Woodbridge

Local Accommodations:
Alexandria ,  Arlington ,  Centreville ,  Chantilly ,  Dulles ,  Dumfries ,  Fairfax ,  Falls Church,  Herndon ,  Lorton ,  Manassas ,  Mclean ,  Reston ,  Rosslyn ,  Springfield ,  Sterling ,  Triangle ,  Vienna ,  Woodbridge

Camping & RV:
Burke Lake Park, Greenbelt National Park, Lake Fairfax Park

Commercial:

Notes: