World War II Memorial with Lincoln Memorial way in the background. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

While no one is buried at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., a quiet overtakes those who visit, with words spoken in soft voices out of respect for those who fought.

The memorial on the National Mall, which is part of the National Park Service, was dedicated in May 2004.

This wall commemorates those from the United States who died in WWII. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

“Placing the memorial between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial reflects the importance of World War II in preserving and internationalizing democratic ideals won under George Washington and defended under Abraham Lincoln. The memorial continues America’s story of striving for freedom and individual rights,” a pamphlet about the memorial says.

At each end of the pool with its two fountains are pavilions signaling the Pacific and Atlantic; a reminder of how the war was fought across multiple oceans. Each state is individually represented as well. Their order is based on when they became part of the union.

“The United States entered the Second World War in 1941 not to conquer, but to liberate a world fast falling to forces of tyranny,” the pamphlet says. “The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million who served in uniform …. It also honors the many millions who supported the war effort on the home front and celebrates the American spirit, national unity and victory.”

The Washington Monument in the distance from the WWII Memorial. (Image: Kathryn Reed)

On the Freedom Wall are 4,048 gold stars. Each represents 100 U.S. service members who died.

“The 405,399 American dead and missing from World War II are second only to the loss of more than 620,000 Americans during the Civil War,” a sign reads.

In all, 50 million people died in World War II.

It’s a beautiful memorial; this combination of stone, water and inscriptions. The openness begs one to slow down while walking around the interior. The grandness seems so appropriate for this Greatest Generation.

It seems as much a tribute to those who fought as a reminder to this country’s role as a global leader, a force to be reckoned with—at least once upon a time.