Memorial Day Remembrance

The World War II Memorial in Washington, DC marks its 10th anniversary this Memorial Day weekend and the news had me going back through my photos to remember our visit there.  We lived in the Northern Virginia suburbs for a number of years and in April 2005, just a year after the WWII Memorial opened to the public, we headed out early one gorgeous day to see the famous cherry blossoms and explore the newest memorial.

A wreath is placed in front of the wall of gold stars.  There are 4,048 stars circling the memorial and reflecting in the pool with each star representing 40 lives lost in the war.

There are two sides to the memorial plaza representing the Atlantic and Pacific theaters of the war.  Because the Cherry Blossom Festival was in full swing the typically busy capitol mall was especially lively.  It looks like a visiting choir is preparing to sing over on the right.  April is also the month when school children from across the country visit their nation's capitol.  That's the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

The large fountain in the center of the plaza is surround by granite columns representing 50 U.S. states and six territories contributing soldiers to the war.  Each pillar is topped with wreaths on each side. In the distance behind the pillars you can see the Jefferson Memorial and the delicate pink ring of cherry blossoms around the tidal pool.  (Click on the photo to enlarge)

The fountain and the Washington Monument.  The Capitol Building is just to the left with the Smithsonian Castle on the far right.

It's nice to go back and remember these sights and events from years past on this Memorial Day 2014.