The World War II Memorial design honors the significant historical event it commemorates and pays full respect to its magnificent site on the National Mall. The memorial is an inviting and welcoming place to celebrate the American spirit that brought victory of democracy over tyranny, light over darkness. It is also a place for quiet contemplation of the sacrifices made in a common and just cause.
The design is in harmony with its historic surrounding. The vistas from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial are preserved, as are the elm trees and the sites park-like setting.
The National World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II. The memorial will honors all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms.
It is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. at the Rainbow Pool site at the east end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. This prominent location is commensurate with the historical importance and lasting significance of World War II to America and the world.
The memorial is funded almost entirely by private contributions. Leading the fund-raising campaign were national campaign chairman Senator Bob Dole, and co-chairman Frederick W. Smith, president and CEO of FDX Corp.