National World War II Memorial - pillars and memorial plaza

The National World War II Memorial, dedicated in 2004, is a national memorial on the National Mall that honors Americans who served in the armed forces and as civilians during World War II. The installation includes a plaza, two 43-foot arches marking the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and a ring of 56 granite pillars representing U.S. states and territories at the time of the war. The memorial's design and construction were authorized by federal legislation and its site and features are managed by the National Park Service.