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  • Monument Memorial National World War Memorial at Washington

WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

Dedicated in 2004, by President George W. Bush, the National World War II Memorial is a tribute to the Armed Forces of the United States that served in one of the most important conflicts of the 20th century. The Memorial is across the street from the Washington Monument, and at the eastern end of the National Mall Reflecting Pool, close to the Constitution Gardens. Visitors can walk around the Rainbow Pool, which is flanked by two semi-circles of granite pillars and triumphal arches.
 

Details

Hours

  • Open 24/7. Rangers are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and can answer questions. Interpretive programs are conducted on the hour between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m.
 

PRICES

  • Free. Permits are needed for special planned events.
 
 

PARKING

  • There is some limited street parking on Ohio Drive, SW. There's also parking south of the Jefferson Memorial in Lots A, B, and C.
 
 

ACTIVITIES

  • Tours by National Park Service Rangers
  • Take photographs
  • Look for inscriptions on the pillars
  • Have a picnic
 
National World War II Memorial

NEWS AND EVENTS

National Park Service rangers conduct tours every hour on the hour starting at 10 a.m. The last tour is at 10 p.m. Veterans of the War often make journeys to Washington, DC to the see the Memorial, particularly on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
 

RAINBOW POOL

Built around the Rainbow Pool, the Memorial consists of 56 granite columns that surround its fountains. The columns represent the 48 states, 7 federal territories, and the District of Columbia that were all a part of WWII. The Pool first delighted visitors with its joyful fountain in 1922, and underwent a reconstruction to be a centerpiece of the Memorial.
 

FAQs

  • CAN I TOUCH THE WATER IN THE POOL?

    You may touch the water in the pool and sit on the edge, but walking and wading in the water is prohibited as a sign of respect.

  • WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO TAKE A PHOTO?

    Take a photo facing the Washington Monument with the pillars of the Memorial framing it. At night, the view is especially magical with the WWII Memorial and the Monument all lit up.
 

Helpful Links

Map/Directions

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