Wheat Wreath & Oak Wreath and Rope - National World War II Memorial - Washington, DC
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 53.363 W 077° 02.431
18S E 323025 N 4306480
Fifty-six columns surround the field of gold stars as if in the form of a guard of honor. The 48 states of the union during the war and our eight possessions. 112 bronze wreaths w/armatures (2 wreaths on each pillar, one on each side).
Waymark Code: WMW922
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 07/27/2017
Views: 11
County of site: District of Columbia
Location of site: 1964 Independence Ave., East end of Potomac Park, Washington
Built: May 29, 2004
Artist: Raymond Kaskey, 1943- , sculptor
Multiple area Architects: Friedrich St. Florian, 1932- , architect
Benson, Nick, assistant
Leo A. Daly, architect
James A. van Sweden, landscape architect
Oehme, van Sweden & Associates, landscape architect
Dimensions: Overall: 7 acres. Each arch: approx. H. 43 ft.; Wreaths: W. 10 ft.
"Each column has a hollow center reflecting the individual loss of each state or territory in the war. Two wreaths decorate each column in the form of wheat (the bounty of home front agriculture) and one of oak (U.S. strength of industry). A heavy rope binds each of the states and territories together, so as to represent our nation coming together in this great struggle." ~ National Park Service
"There are two wreaths for each pillar; one on the front and one on the back. Each pillar has both, but they alternate from side to side for variety. The wheat wreath represents agriculture and the oak wreath represents industry. This symbolizes the fact that not only did the states and territories give their citizens to serve in the military, they also offered their resources and the fruits of their labor to the cause of victory. Without the hard work, sacrifice, and support of the home front, success on the battlefront was impossible." ~ National Park Service, Frequently Asked Questions