Annapolis World War II Memorial

This lasting tribute to the men and women who fought for the principles of freedom, both abroad and at home, recognizes their contributions as well as educating present and future generations about World War II and its impact as the world's greatest military effort to date.


Maryland's World War II Memorial is unique. Visitors will walk through history when visiting the four-sided open-air amphitheater surrounded by a 100-foot diameter ring of 48 pillars, that represent the 48 states at the time of the war. Etched in granite are the names of 6,454 Marylanders who lost their lives, providing a lasting tribute to their ultimate contributions. Twenty plaques describe wartime milestones and key events, in addition to contributions made by those 288,000 Maryland military men and women and those who served in industries at home. Two 14-foot diameter globes depict the location of key battles in the eastern and western hemispheres. A seven-sided obelisk, representing Maryland's status as the country's seventh state, is accented by a star which is illuminated each night.