We stand at the nation’s memorial to those who fought for freedom during the dark days of World War II. Nearly 60 years after the final surrender of the war—this magnificent memorial was built as a reminder of the price of freedom.
The memorial includes 56 pillars representing America’s states and territories, which gave hundreds of thousands of soldiers to the cause of liberty. And “while the nearby Vietnam Memorial lists individual names of all [American] troops killed in that war, the World War II Memorial does not. It couldn’t.” Too many—more than 400,000—died. Instead it has a wall of 4,000 gold stars, each representing 100 soldiers who paid the ultimate price.1
Some 16 million served in the armed forces of the United States during the war. Only 4 million are still alive, and they are dying at a rate of over a thousand a day.2 In a coming day when these veterans are no longer with us, our collective admiration and respect for their service will continue to live. Our profound gratitude for each man and woman who fought in World War II will never die.
This memorial was designed to be a contemplative place, a place to commemorate the resolute spirit of America in a time of war, a place to remember the human cost in the triumph of freedom.3
This memorial honors all who cherish the cause of freedom during World War II. Men and women, families and friends were united in a cause that separated them across oceans. On the battlegrounds abroad and in factories at home, each did his or her part. Truly, sacrifices were made on all fronts, and so many families were forever altered.
Today this memorial pulls the generations together as we remember the lessons of the past and look with hope to the future. It honors millions of the willing brave who served and sacrificed six decades ago so that we might live in freedom.
A noted World War II historian, Steven Ambros interviewed hundreds of veterans and found that the reason they fought was they had learned as children the difference between right and wrong. They didn’t want to live in a world in which wrong prevailed, so they fought.
The nation honors the courage and commitment of the soldiers represented here. May we also extend our hands and hearts to the cause of right, the cause of freedom, the quest for peace.
Program #3902
1. See Lee Davidson, “WWII Memorial Marks Price of Freedom,” Deseret Morning News, May 5, 2004, pp. A13.
2. See Deseret Morning News, May 5, 2004, pp. A13.
3. See Michael Janofsky, “WWII Memorial Opens in D.C.,” Deseret Morning News, April 30, 2004,