National World War II Memorial / 11-atlantic Heather Lawver 5/25/2004

Whenever I enter the grounds of the memorial, I'm amazed by the peace it offers, despite the fact that it's typically full of people. The noise outside shrinks as you enter and you're surrounded by a common gratitude, solemnity, and love. Entering the Memorial for the first time, I had walked from Constitution Avenue, underneath the Atlantic archway, looking up at the eagles bearing the wreaths as I walked beneath them. It is an awe-inspiring and overwhelming space, whose feeling can only be compared to that which I experienced walking on the grounds of the Dachau Concentration Camp - nothing short of hallowed.