Located near the Reflecting Pool on the east-west axis between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the newly completed National World War II Memorial was dedicated on Memorial Day 2004. Encompassing 7.4 acres, the memorial pays homage to the more than 400,000 Americans who lost their lives in what has been called the most devastating war in history. It also stands as a testament to all those who served in the American Armed Forces as well as those who contributed to the wartime effort at home.