The World War II Memorial is located on the National Mall at the Eastern end of the Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The ground breaking for the Memorial took place in September 2001 and after its completion two years later it opened to the public on April 29, 2004. The World War II Memorial was formally dedicated by President George W. Bush on May 29, 2004 and became apart of the National Park System on November 1, 2004.

The final site selection for the World War II Memorial was made on October 5, 1995 on the former site of the Rainbow Pool. The design for the Memorial came from Friedrich St. Florian and was selected in 1997 although construction did not start for another 4 years. Funding for the construction of the World War II Memorial was mostly contributed by private parties along with $197 million in cash and pledges.

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served in the United States Military along with more than 400,000 who lost their lives fighting for their country. Not only does it honor those who served in the military but the millions of Americans who showed their support, spirit, and commitment to all those who fought in the armed forces. The Memorial above everything else stands for one nation's unity and strength to come together for a just cause.

The World War II Memorial is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with the exception of Christmas Day.