Maryland World War II Memorial, erected 1998
Photograph courtesy of the Governor's Press Office, State of Maryland

Located just north of Annapolis Maryland on State Route 450 at the Naval Academy bridge, the Maryland World War II Memorial is situated in a beautiful park-like setting at what is commonly known as the Ritchie Overlook. This lasting tribute to the men and women who fought for the principles of freedom, both abroad and at home, recognizes their contributions as well as educate present and future generations about World War II and its impact as the world's greatest military effort to date. Maryland's World War II Memorial is unique. Visitors will literally walk through history when visiting the four-sided open-air amphitheater surrounded by a 100-foot diameter ring of 48, 9-foot tall, gray granite pillars. These pillars represent the 48 states at the time of the war. The names of 6,454 Marylanders who lost their lives are etched in granite, providing a lasting tribute to their ultimate contributions. Twenty granite stones accented with stainless steel plaques describe wartime milestones and key events, in addition to contributions made by those 288,000 Maryland men and women who served in the military and those who served at home in the fields and in industry. Two 14-foot diameter granite globes depict the location of key battles in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. A seven-sided stainless steel obelisk, representing Maryland's status as the country's seventh state, is accented by a star which will be illuminated each night. This memorial is the culmination of a six-year process which began with the installation of a twenty-five member Commission during the administration of Governor William Donald Schaefer. It is comprised largely of veterans who served their country and their communities, many as professionals from numerous fields and as public servants. This dedicated group, along with advisors from private industry and the State, worked tirelessly to bring Maryland's World War II Memorial to fruition. A world-wide design competition conducted by a seven-member selection panel culminated in March 1997 with the unanimous selection of a design submitted by New York-based architect Secudino Fernandez. In August 1997, Maryland's Board of Public Works awarded a $1.7 million contract to Priceless Industries of Dundalk, Maryland to serve as general contractor for the Memorial. October 1997 marked the official groundbreaking for the Memorial. It is with great pride and a sense of achievement that all those associated with the planning, funding, and construction that we dedicate Maryland's World War II Memorial. Thank you to the Maryland Veterans Commission for the text for this site. World War II Memorial Commission

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