WASHINGTON D.C. WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL

It was before sunset when we decided to walk towards the World War II Memorial after roaming around the area of The National Mall where there are many Cherry Trees in bloom. 

Many years ago, I toured Washington, D. C. but I skipped the WW II Memorial because of time constraints.  But today, I finally made it. 

The World War II Memorial at Washington, D. C. was opened and dedicated on April 29, 2004, by President George W. Bush.  It was constructed in 2001 based on the design submitted by Architect Friedrich St. Florian who was based at Providence, Rhode Island. 

The World War II Memorial is located in the National Mall, between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

One writer describes the WW II Memorial as a symbol of America's triumph in the second world war.  There are 56 granite columns representing the 48 states, seven territories, and the District of Columbia (D. C.).  These seven territories include my country, the Philippines which is a Commonwealth of the United States during World War II until July 4, 1946, when our country gained its independence from the United States.  The other six territories are Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, Alaska Territory and Territory of Hawaii. 

I am proudly standing near the granite pillar where the name of the Commonwealth of the Philippines is inscribed. These 56 granite pillars also represent the countries and territories of the United States involved in the second world war. 

According to the website "washington.org/DC-guide-to/national-world-war-ii-memorial", the World War II Memorial, "honors the 16 million people who served as part of the American Armed Forces during World War II, including more than 400,000 who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country."

Of the 7.4-acre war memorial, two-thirds is devoted to landscaping and water.  When I entered the memorial, I saw the 56 granite pillars that form a semi-circle around the central plaza and the fountain. The left side has a huge Pacific Arch and on the right side is the Atlantic Arch. 

My grandchildren are seen here appreciating the fountain. Their innocent minds do not know the atrocities that the War brought to peace-loving citizens of the world. The sacrifices that their countrymen suffered gave them the peace that they, just like everyone else in the world, experience today. 

Video by Henry Libo-on of Touristang Pobre. 

The World War II Memorial as viewed from a distance.  Please take notice of the blooming cherry trees.  Washington, D. C. is known for its Cherry Blossoms during the Spring Season. For me, the most beautiful blooms are those found along the banks of the Tidal Basin, (shown here on the map at the bottom page), from the Washington Monument, going to Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial.  Please check this out should you decide to witness the Cherry Blossoms here at Washington, D. C.  I suggest, be here on March 20, 2020, when the Cherry Trees begin to bloom. The blooms will start to diminish on April 12, 2020.  

However, because of the COVID-19, this blogger suggests that you avoid crowded places and observe the proper precautionary measures to avoid getting infected by a coronavirus. Better still, stay at home. 

The facade of the White House.

The White House from a distance.  It is the official residence of the U.S. President, now President Donald Trump.

                             

The Thomas Jefferson Memorial located on the waterfront of the Tidal Basin. 

The George Washington Memorial.  Copyright photos by Henry Libo-on. 

The U.S. Capitol where Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg meet the members of the U.S. Congress, just a few days ago. 

Sorry for this "tilting" picture of the Marker.  Would you believe that there was a strong wind that passes by this area of The National Mall that late afternoon?  I heard one of our companions said, "OMG, what a terrible wind."  Me?  I was pushed just a little bit by the wind. 

How we get there? 

We rely so much on our GPS to reach our destinations on this tour of the D. C. area.  With GPS, you will never go astray, unless "Mandy" (the lady talking in the GPS) will go crazy, haha. 

As far as hotels are concerned, it is our practice that we book in advance for our hotel accommodation.  We stayed at Hilton at a nearby Alexandria. 

Doing a walking tour of The National Mall is easy although it could be tiresome, especially to one's feet.  The many places to see, historical sites, museums, exhibits,  monuments, the U.S. Capitol and the White House, among others, are worth the walk.  I carried bottled water and a few crackers in my pocket, for obvious reasons. 

There are vendors in strategic areas.  You can easily buy burgers, hot dogs, smoothies, drinks, and souvenir items, among others. Just carry a few dollar bills, in case there will be a problem with your card or the machine. 

Parking spaces are spread in strategic areas.  There are lanes that provide parking for 45 minutes, 2 hours, and 3 hours.  You can pay in a card or in cash.  Verify the mode of payment from the notices posted in the vicinity of the parking area. If you think your time limit is approaching and you are still in the middle of a tour, you can send somebody to pay the additional time so that you can avoid any inconveniences that may arise. 

Be sure you have extra batteries for your camera and cell phones.

A map showing the National Mall, Washington, D.C.  On the left is the Jefferson Memorial fronting the Tidal Basin. On the upper left side near the bridge is the Lincoln Memorial and to the right side fronting the Lincoln Memorial is the World War II Memorial, a bit farther to the right is the "pencil" or the George Washington Monument, nearby are museums and U.S. Government buildings, and to the extreme right is the U.S. Capitol.  (Thanks to the brochure distributed free by Big Bus). 

If you still have time, you can drive to the Arlington Cemetery.  I visited the gravesite of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis after this trip to the War Memorial.  

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial is also a few minute-drive from here. So, try to visit while you are here in Washington. 

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All Photos By Henry Libo-on of Touristang Pobre except those duly acknowledged as coming from other sources like this quotation hereunder which was borrowed from www.geckoandfly.com - thanks. 

                                            

Source:  www.geckoandfly.com

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Updated May 22, 2020.

Reviewed on August 1, 2022.