Friends of the National World War II Memorial

The Memorial at Dawn.
Looking north through the Pacific Arch.
Pillars representing the states, territories and District of Columbia line the four ramps of the colonnade.
Looking west across the Rainbow Pool and fountains toward the Lincoln Memorial.
Pacific Arch showing fountains representing the Pacific Ocean.
An inscription by Admiral Nimitz on the southeast plaza looking toward the Pacific Arch.
Bronze ribbons in Eagles’ beaks hold victory laurels aloft in the two Memorial Arches.
Southeast view showing the sculpted bronze wreaths of oak leaves and wheat spears on the state pillars.
Looking northeast over the Rainbow Pool fountains to the Mall.
Looking over the Rainbow Pool toward the Washington Monument at sunrise.
The northwest colonnade with states’ pillars along the ramp leading to the Atlantic Arch.

Meet the Veterans

View student interviews with World War II Veterans video filmed in 2012 at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. You will hear personal stories of each Veteran's military service during World War II and be a witness to first hand memories from the Greatest Generation.


2013 Summer Concert Series at the World War II Memorial


Bands scheduled to perform include:

  • U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Band – Thursday, June 20, 2013 at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Country Current - Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. Public Health Services Band – Saturday, July 27, 2013 at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Commodores Jazz Band - Friday, August 23, 2013 at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. Navy Cruisers Rock Ensemble – Saturday, August 31, 2013 at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. Army Blues Band “Pershing’s Own” – Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 6 p.m.

The complete list will be updated in the coming weeks. Read More

Call To Action Wwii Book

“The purpose of the national World War II Memorial is to honor, inspire, and commemorate. It acknowledges the bravery of our allies, celebrates America’s unprecedented unity and solidarity in a time of peril, and honors the heroic achievements and sacrifices of the entire nation in the cause of liberty and freedom. It is a tribute to America’s Greatest Generation and a timeless reminder of the price of freedom.

….Prominently located on the central east-west axis of the national Mall, halfway between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, the site of the World War II Memorial reflects the historical importance and lasting significance of the war in American history. It is an inspiring setting on the centerline of the nation’s commemorative landscape.”

To learn even more about the National World War II Memorial you can view the WWII Memorial Book, published by the U.S. General Services Administration on the occasion of the May 29, 2004 dedication of the Memorial. Friends of the National World War II Memorial wish to express our deep appreciation to the GSA for making this book available for viewing on our website. The book is a significant resource that contributes to the Friends goal of further educating the public about the meaning, design, construction and architectural details of the Memorial.


Tour the Memorial with Tom Hanks