It seems only fitting that on this Memorial Day, 66 years after the guns fell silent, that we pause to consider the human cost of freedom here and the rest of the world. To this effect, a memorial has been erected on the National Mall in Washington D.C to honor those Americans who gave their lives for their country.
Th memorial is situated between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. Its design consists of two archways, one for the Atlantic Ocean and one for the Pacific Ocean, and 56 freestanding pillars, each inscribed with the 48 United States from 1945 and the 8 territories at the time, such as the Territory of Hawaii and the Alaska Territory. At the end of the memorial nearest the Washington Monument are engraved pictures depicting varying aspects of the war, such as workers making war material, soldiers preparing to invade, and even the famous 'Kilroy was here'.
Underneath the two oceanic pillars are engraved various quotes from numerous American generals about the war, including a famous quote by Douglas MacArthur which reads, "Today the guns are silent. A great tragedy has ended. A great victory has been won. The skies no longer rain with death — the seas bear only commerce — men everywhere walk upright in the sunlight. The entire world lies quietly at peace. The holy mission has been completed".
Finally, at the end of the memorial nearest the Lincoln Memorial there lies a reflecting pool and a wall with 4,048 stars. Each represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in World War II, and at the base of the pool is engraved 'Here we mark the price of freedom'. It is these words and these implications that we must ponder this Memorial Day. Remember not only those who died in the Second World War but in all the wars. Also, if you ever find yourself in Washington D.C with extra time on your hands, I encourage you to visit this memorial, a place of reflection and a place of remembrance. Until next time, take care, and thank you.
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