Aournd the two pavilions of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. are fifty-six granite pillars that celebrate the unity of the nation during WWII.

Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia is represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with its name. The pillars are arranged in the order of entry into the Union.

The 17-foot pillars stand erect around each pavilion like soldiers standing guard, day and night, paying homage to those who sacrificed for their country. You don’t hear much about this memorial, but it was one of my favorites.