Illinois is home to the famous World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. soldiers during the war.

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the 16 million people who served in the American armed forces during World War II. Though the memorial is located in the nation’s capital, it was a collaborative effort from many states, including Illinois, which is home to numerous veterans and their families who were deeply involved in the war. The memorial features 56 granite pillars, each representing a U.S. state and territory during the war. Illinois, like other states, has a dedicated plaque commemorating the contributions of its citizens to the war effort, marking the state's connection to this important historical event.