On This Day in American History - The World War II Memorial opened in Washington, D.C. to thousands of visitors, recognizing 16 million U.S. men and women who served in the war. April 29, 2004
On hallowed ground, history unfolds,
A tribute rises, etched in stories told.
The World War's story, etched in stone,
For heroes' deeds, a monument to own.
Two thousand four, the dream took flight,
A nation's thanks, a beacon bathed in light.
Sixteen million strong, answered freedom's call,
This granite stage, to honor one and all.
From Rainbow Pool, transformed anew,
A sacred space, where memories imbue.
Washington's grand gaze, a silent guide,
Across the Potomac, Arlington's tide.
Arches reaching, carved with care,
Europe's battlefields, the Pacific's despair.
Pillars like sentinels, a state for each star,
A nation's unity, reaching near and far.
Four thousand stars, a glittering sea,
Each point of light, lives lost, eternally.
A golden tribute, etched upon the wall,
Hundreds of souls, a sacrifice for all.
The Announcement Stone, a promise shown,
The fight for freedom's flame, forever known.
A gift from fathers, liberty's embrace,
Honored by their sons, in this sacred space.
Private hands gave, hearts that understood,
Millions in giving, a tide of gratitude.
Dole, the wounded warrior, it wouldn't cease,
Tom Hanks hosted, bringing minds to peace.
A dream ignited by a fireside plea,
Roger Durbin's vision, for all the world to see.
Seventeen long years, of struggle and debate,
Until the granite heart, began to resonate.
Durbin did not live to see the tribute rise,
But in each stone, his passion fills our eyes.
A nation's debt, a promise to uphold,
The stories whispered, never growing cold.
They fought on beaches, stormed the shore,
Crossed battlefields, and bled for evermore.
For pilots soaring, 'cross the inky sky,
And sailors brave, beneath the ocean's eye.
This monument stands, a testament to all,
The fallen heroes, heeding freedom's call.
A place of solace, where tears may freely flow,
And memories echo, a gentle, whispered glow.
May future generations, learn from battles fought,
The price of freedom, dearly, dearly bought.
Let peace forever bloom, where shadows lie,
And this memorial stand, beneath a hopeful sky.