America Remembers the 20th Century: The National World War II Memorial Project

This thesis explores America’s national war memorial projects, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial, which lie on either side of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., near where the World War II Memorial will be built. Only through an understanding of continually changing notions about commemoration and their effects on our memorial projects is it possible to understand the World War II Memorial's place in the American narrative. The author also examines the National Holocaust Memorial and the Smithsonian’s failed attempt to commemorate in the fateful flight of the Encola Gay in the National Air and Space Museum. Methodology includes a comparison of the World War II memorial (its origins, intent, location, design, and controversy) to other national efforts at American war commemoration