World War II Veterans Are Focus of Memorial Day

The skill and dedication of the members of Local 1 MD/VA/DC is captured in this photo of the completed National World War II Memorial Plaza.

Memorial Day weekend was an appropriate occasion for the dedication of the National World War II Memorial. Designed by Friedrich St. Florian and built by members of Local 1 Maryland/Virginia/District of Columbia working for Pagliaro Brothers of Upper Marlboro, MD, the monument is a fitting tribute to the 16 million Americans who served our nation over half a century ago.

“As always, our stonemasons and finishers did an excellent job,” says Local 1 President Jack Greenstreet. “This memorial was long overdue and our members appreciated being part of it. I’m really proud of them.” Greenstreet also commended the contractor, Pagliaro Brothers, for their “well thought-out planning and supervision that made it a success.”

Local 1 finisher Omar Garcia signals his crane operator after rigging a stone at the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC.

Situated on Washington’s National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the National World War II Memorial consists of 56 stone pillars representing the 48 states, seven territories and the District of Columbia that formed our nation during the war. At the north and south entrances of the memorial two 43-foot quadruple stone arches symbolize the fronts on which the war was fought – the Atlantic and the Pacific.

While the Freedom Wall, covered with golden stars symbolic of the 400,000 Americans lost to the war, conveys a feeling of somberness, the memorial’s central fountain reminds the viewer that this war was fought and won to protect our freedom.

Our hats are off to the members of Local 1 MD/VA/DC for creating the majestic structure for which World War II veterans had patiently waiting 60 years.