World War Ii Memorial, Viet Nam, Iwo Jima By Georgia Sawhook on - Updated Oct 15, 2011
Having a Viet Nam Marine Veteran in your home, makes a trip like this so much more meaningful.
We happened to be in DC the year that the new World War II Memorial had opened and it was quite a site indeed. There were so many beautiful fountains and sites available. World War II covered so many different areas including Europe, The South Pacific Campaigns and the Phillipines as well as Japan, so it almost seemed endless and not enough time to view them all.
The field of 4,000 stars was very touching as it represented more than 400,000 lives lost during the war. There's the Atlantic Pavillion and the Pacific Pavillion which is what they called the Memorial Plaza. There's a huge pool in the center with fountains and lights and The Atlantic Pavillion is on one end and the Pacific on the other with various memorials to these battles.
There's also a very touching quote from Dwight D. Eisenhower on D-Day June 6th. So much history and causes you to stop and pause at their dedication and sacrifice
Then of course, with my husband a former Marine... the Iwo Jima Memorial is breath taking. Wow!! The battle of Saribachi is one that Marines identify with for survival and brotherhood. The huge 32 ft. statue is mounted on 10 foot base and the flag that is being raised is 60 feet high. It is just overwhelming to see. I think it's a must for our young people to see and appreciate again the sacrifice of our fighting men and women.
We have taken 2 trips to DC and this was the second time my husband got to go the Wall, The Viet Nam War Memorial. It's a very difficult thing to see the many names, 58,256, in total. The wall is reflective as you can see the photo I have of my husband looking into it. It brought back many strong and painful memories.
But we must NEVER forget any of these men and women. God Bless the USA!!
About The Author:
World War II Memoria, Viet Nam Wall., IwoJima N/A
My father fought and was wounded in WWII in Guadalcanal, ultimately dying from his wounds years later. I love our men and women in uniform. They will ever be a part of my heart.
My father is a Vietnam Vet (army 67-71) and was affected in ways I will never know. This is a great memorial to the WW2 soldiers...I would love to go on our tour to see it!
This does sound like a great educational trip!
I have visited the Vietnam memorial (incredibly moving), but have not made a trip back to Washington DC for the new WWII memorial. It looks to be a beautiful and wonderful memorial to the men and women whose sacrfices mean so much to us even today.