World War II came to America when on Dec. 7, 1941, Japanese warplanes attached Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The United States was forced to fight a war on two fronts: Europe and Asia. The battles raged on nearly four years before America and her Allies emerged victorious over their enemies. The cost in human losses to our country was the largest in history. A total of 16 million men and women served in the armed forces. More than one million became casualties. Of these, 405,000 resulted in deaths during and after the way.

Every town and city once again faced the sad duty of erecting plaques and monuments upon which were engraved the names of local heroes who served their nation. Some memorials only list those who "gave the last full measure of devotion." The sentiment throughout the country emphasized the motto: "Lest We Forget!"

Today, efforts are still made to erect monuments in memory of those who fought to keep America and the world free from oppression. A visit to any monument or memorial serves to remind each of us that eternal vigilance is the price for freedom.

The "Guide to America's World War II Monuments" assists tourist to easily locate each monument listed. The museums of military history provide visitors with information on the "why and how" our nation courageously faced external danger since its founding in 1781. The monuments and museums furnish us with a vivid reminder of our past that cannot be portrayed in books, magazines and on television.