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Photographer Rick Latoff / American Battle Monuments Commission.

World War II Memorial LessonWorld War II Memorial Lesson

Purpose of the MemorialPurpose of the Memorial

The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause.

The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause.

World War II Memorial:A Geometry LessonWorld War II Memorial:A Geometry Lesson

Washington, D.C.Washington, D.C.

OPS Content StandardsOPS Content Standards

Math:4-05 Identify and draw points, lines, line segments, rays, and angles.

History:4-04 Citizenship/Government

Math:4-05 Identify and draw points, lines, line segments, rays, and angles.

History:4-04 Citizenship/Government

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Photographer Sondra BravoPhotographer Sondra Bravo

Geometry Vocabulary DefinitionsGeometry Vocabulary Definitions

point ray angle acute angle obtuse angle right angle line(s) line segments intersecting line/segments parallel line/segments perpendicular line/segments

point ray angle acute angle obtuse angle right angle line(s) line segments intersecting line/segments parallel line/segments perpendicular line/segments

PointPoint

Stars located at the western side of the memorial recognized the sacrifice of America's WWII generation and the contribution of our allies. A field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom Wall commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. During WWII, the gold star was the symbol of family sacrifice.

Stars located at the western side of the memorial recognized the sacrifice of America's WWII generation and the contribution of our allies. A field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom Wall commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. During WWII, the gold star was the symbol of family sacrifice.

RayRay

a figure of Liberation standing full length with head turned to left looking to the dawn of a new day, right foot resting on a war god’s helmet with the hilt of a broken sword in the right hand and the broken blade in the left hand

a figure of Liberation standing full length with head turned to left looking to the dawn of a new day, right foot resting on a war god’s helmet with the hilt of a broken sword in the right hand and the broken blade in the left hand

Acute AngleAcute Angle

Under the southern and northern arches one finds these words encircling the medallion: “1941-1945 Victory on Land Victory at Sea Victory in the Air”

Under the southern and northern arches one finds these words encircling the medallion: “1941-1945 Victory on Land Victory at Sea Victory in the Air”

Obtuse AngleObtuse Angle

A series of bas-relief sculpture panels created by sculptor Ray Kaskey is set into the balustrades of the north and south ceremonial entrance walls. The unifying theme of the panels is the transformation of America caused by the country’s total immersion in World War II.

A series of bas-relief sculpture panels created by sculptor Ray Kaskey is set into the balustrades of the north and south ceremonial entrance walls. The unifying theme of the panels is the transformation of America caused by the country’s total immersion in World War II.

Right AngleRight Angle

DESIGN COMPETITIONDuring Stage I, approximately 400 preliminary design visions were reviewed by an Architect-Engineer (A-E) Evaluation Board. Entries were evaluated on their originality, appropriateness, feasibility, and compliance with project requirements. The board selected six design visions to compete in Stage II

DESIGN COMPETITIONDuring Stage I, approximately 400 preliminary design visions were reviewed by an Architect-Engineer (A-E) Evaluation Board. Entries were evaluated on their originality, appropriateness, feasibility, and compliance with project requirements. The board selected six design visions to compete in Stage II

Line(s)Line(s) Stage II design concepts

were judged by a Design Jury. Evaluation criteria in this stage included design concept, past performance, specialized experience and technical competence, professional qualifications, and capacity to accomplish the work in the required time.

Stage II design concepts

were judged by a Design Jury. Evaluation criteria in this stage included design concept, past performance, specialized experience and technical competence, professional qualifications, and capacity to accomplish the work in the required time.

Line Segment(s)Line Segment(s) Fifty-six granite pillars

celebrate the unprecedented unity of the nation during WWII. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia is represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with its name; the pillars are arranged in the order of entry into the Union, alternating south to north across the plaza beginning adjacent to the Field of Gold Stars.

Fifty-six granite pillars celebrate the unprecedented unity of the nation during WWII. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia is represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with its name; the pillars are arranged in the order of entry into the Union, alternating south to north across the plaza beginning adjacent to the Field of Gold Stars.

Intersecting LinesIntersecting Lines

Bronze sculpted

rope symbolizes

the bonding of the nation.

Bronze sculpted

rope symbolizes

the bonding of the nation.

Parallel Line/SegmentsParallel Line/Segments

This star is similar to the one used to represent mother’s who have sons in the war. The middle star was added upon the death of a son during World War II.

This star is similar to the one used to represent mother’s who have sons in the war. The middle star was added upon the death of a son during World War II.

Perpendicular Line/SegmentsPerpendicular Line/Segments

Two 43-foot pavilions serve as markers and entries on the north and south ends of the plaza. Bronze baldacchinos are an integral part of the pavilion design. Four bronze columns support four American eagles that hold a suspended victory laurel to memorialize the victory of the WWII generation.

Two 43-foot pavilions serve as markers and entries on the north and south ends of the plaza. Bronze baldacchinos are an integral part of the pavilion design. Four bronze columns support four American eagles that hold a suspended victory laurel to memorialize the victory of the WWII generation.