So what does everyone think about the new WWII Memorial?

[Sandpiper]

By that I mean, what does everyone think of the design? I think we can all agree that the WWII vets deserve a memorial.



My feeling on the design is...blech!!! Looks like something straight out of the Albert Speer school of architecture. Ironic that a memorial dedicated to those who defeated the Third Reich looks like something that would have been right at home there.

But that's just my two cents. What do the rest of you think?

More photos at

http://www.wwiimemorial.com/default.asp?page=pictures.asp&subpage=photos

[GOPisEvil]

1. I saw it up close the weekend before it opened.

I thought it was unattractive to say the least. I also don't like its placement on the Mall. I think it should have been placed near the FDR Memorial.

Having said all of that, however, I think we waited FAR too long to have a monument to those who served in WWII.

[Sandpiper]

4. I agree completely

These guys deserve their memorial, and it's long overdue.

I've seen them all and I think it's sad that Vietnam and Korea both have (in my opinion) better memorials than WWII.

[GOPisEvil]

6. Vietnam is among the most humbling places I have ever been.

Korea is a good monument as well. Very moving.

I'm just not moved by the WWII monument.

[indie]

13. been to all 3

didn't know anyone who died in any of the wars, but while standing at 'the wall' i couldn't hold back the tears. ww2 memorial is ugly, overbearing and misplaced. it hardly does justice to those who died.

[Hokie]

2. Not very inspiring

Just my opinion but we must be careful in making snap judgments of memorials. Remember the Vietnam war memorial was panned almost universally by critics when it was constructed.

I am happy that the dead and vets off WWII have their own memorial. I am sorry that it is to be dedicated while a deserter holds office.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

12. The irony is it was built by a subsidary of a German company

Tompkins/Grunley-Walsh Joint Venture, the majority participant in the joint venture, is owned by J.A. Jones Construction Company, which is owned by J.A. Jones, Inc., a U. S. subsidiary of Philipp Holzmann AG, a German-based company.

[Sirveri]

3. hmmm...

I think it needs more eagles. Or hawks, yes Hawks, definately. Also, I'm gonna say something mean here but I mean no offense. Why the hell are they ripping off the vietnam wall memorial with that 4 thousand stars thing? It's overused and unoriginal. WW2 vets deserve better.

[Spinzonner]

5. Stonehenge would be proud

[ramblin_dave]

7. Bush has been invited to dedicate it on the 29th

Could they have found a more unworthy person to dedicate this memorial?

[GOPisEvil]

8. Hell, he should send his dad. At least he's a veteran of that war.

[Dropkick]

9. It looks nice in the night photos...

...but it is definitely not very attractive in full light.

[salonghorn70]

10. Your Post Is Hilarious

Albert Speer School of architecture. That is funny. Somehow I think I will have to reserve my opinion until I see it in person. I do agree that it is long overdue. My Dad fought in WWII.

[Serenity-NOW]

11. They stole that design from the racetrack men's room! n/t

[OneBlueSky]

14. wouldn't it be nice if someday we could build a monument to peace?

my dad was a WWII vet, and I have great respect for those who fought honorably in just wars . . . but at the rate we're going, one day all of DC will be nothing but monuments to this war or that . . . sure would be nice to have at least one monument that honors those who devoted their lives to promoting peace, good will, and understanding in the world . . .

[markomalley]

15. I personally think that it is a disgusting shame...

...to have a memorial glorifying war without any regards to the heinous war crimes committed by US forces upon innocent civilians in both theaters of operations. There should be some acknowledgment at least for the punitive firebombing of Dresden and the nuclear strikes upon Hiroshima/ Nagasaki. We did a lot of harm there and, like the current one, complete arrogance on the part of "the good guys" was at least partially to blame for starting that one.

(by arrogance, I mean the antagonistic trade policies toward Japan being at least partially to blame for their attack on us...and the criminal treaty of Versailles being at least partially the cause of Hitler coming to power in Germany)

I am never in favor of ANY war memorial for ANY war unless it acknowledges our sins as well as commemmorate the sacrifices...anything else simply glorifies war (which, imho, is not something to be glorified for any reason)

for more, see: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1565414

[markomalley]

16. kicked up

to honor all those who die as a result of military conflict, both the participants and the bystanders...

:kick: