Commemorating Veterans Day with Photos from Washington DC's World War II Memorial

With another Veteran's Day upon us, I honor those who have served our country 
with highlights from our visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.

It's situated between the Washington Monument and, on the other 
end of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial.

This depiction of an amphibious landing is one of 

24 bronze bas-relief sculptures lining the entrance to the memorial. 

A 43' pavilion on each end of the plaza represents the Pacific and Atlantic conflicts.

Inside each one is a bronze baldacchino (a ceremonial canopy) 

featuring four American eagles holding a laurel victory wreath.

Fifty-six granite pillars represent each state and territory of the United States.
They're arranged according to the order of entry into the Union.

The pillars are connected at their bases by 

bronze rope sculptures, symbolizing the country's unity.

Each 17' pillar is adorned with a bronze wreath of either oak leaves or wheat.

I appreciated the opportunity for deep contemplation and thoughts of gratitude 

to my father, my father-in-law, uncles, and fathers of friends who served in WWII.

The impressive Freedom Wall features 4,000 gold stars,

each representing 100 American service personnel,

honoring over 400,000 who died or remain missing in WWII.

Freedom isn't free. 

The Rainbow Pool with its beautiful fountains is the centerpiece of the Memorial.

To every US Veteran, we honor and respect what you did for our country.

Please know that your service is appreciated.

National WWII Memorial
17th Street Independence Ave. Southwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20037

Learn more here:
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National Park Service

While we're at it, a shot of the majestic Washington Monument.

Do you have family members who've served in WWII?
I'd love to hear about it in the Comments section below!