Washington, D.C.

National World War II Memorial

The memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II and the millions who supported the war effort at home. A wall of gold stars remembers those who died.

Official visitor website

All landmarks

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The story

Military History & Remembrance

Why it matters

The memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the armed forces during World War II and the millions who supported the war effort at home. A wall of gold stars remembers those who died.

Why it may matter to you

World War II shaped the modern world. Many families, in the U.S. and abroad, have stories connected to it.

The fuller story

During the war, the armed forces were segregated, and Japanese Americans were forced into incarceration camps — a wrong the federal government formally apologized for in 1988.

Plan your visit

Hours, prices, reservations, and closures change. Check the official visitor website.

Time to allow: About 1 hour (our estimate)
Setting: Mostly outdoor
Tickets and reservations: Open-air memorial; no ticket needed.
Getting there: Metrorail and buses serve the National Mall; street parking is limited and paid. Many visitors walk between Mall sites.
With family: Expect lots of walking between sites; bring water and plan rest breaks. Strollers are common on the Mall.
Seasons and weather: Open around the clock.
Accessibility: Accessibility information from the operator(opens nps.gov in a new tab)

Times are estimates and distances are straight-line. Citizen Navigator is an independent educational resource. Visitor access and conditions change. Confirm current details with the destination's official operator.