World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial
- Art & landmarks
- In Springfield, Illinois
- 0.5 mi from Route 66
This is the state of Illinois's official memorial to its World War II veterans and to the families who lost someone in the war. Dedicated in 2004, it stands in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL, less than a mile off the old road. A huge white globe and dark granite walls make it a quiet, moving stop, with memorials to later wars just steps away.
What is World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial?
The memorial is a group of sculptural pieces arranged around one centerpiece: a white globe 12 feet across that weighs 22 tons, meant to show how the war reached every part of the world. Small stainless steel buttons set into its surface mark where battles were fought. Black granite walls fan out from the globe, carved with the names of battles and campaigns.
The scale of the state's role is part of the message. About 987,000 people from Illinois wore the uniform in the war, and about 22,000 of them died.
History of World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial
Work on the idea began in 1999, and the finished memorial opened with a dedication in 2004. On paper it belongs among the state historic sites overseen by Illinois's historic preservation agency, but day to day it is looked after by Oak Ridge Cemetery staff and by the memorial's own independent board. That board also gathers veterans' memories and organizes tribute gatherings for the shrinking number of World War II veterans.
Visiting World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial: tips
Allow 20 to 30 minutes to walk around the globe and read the walls. There is parking, the site is wheelchair accessible and it works well for a visit with kids. The Korean War Memorial and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial are each about 0.1 mile away, so it is easy to see all three in one stop. The Camp Lincoln Commissary Building is about 0.4 mile off.
Relatives looking for information about family members who went missing in the war can reach out to the memorial's board.
Practical info
- Address
- 1441 Monument Ave, Springfield, IL 62702
- Phone
- +1 866-992-4145
- Website
- ww2il.com
- Hours
- We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
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Questions about World War II Illinois Veterans Memorial
Where is the Illinois World War II memorial?
It is in Oak Ridge Cemetery in the northern part of Springfield, IL, less than a mile off the old road.
When was it dedicated?
In 2004, after planning began in 1999.
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