The World War II Memorial in our nation's capitol took two years to build.

It's taken almost a lifetime for many of the men and women it was built "for" to see it.

From the rushing waters to the silent reflection of golden stars honoring fallen soldiers, every piece of the World War II Memorial is a symbol of veterans’ sacrifices for their country.

And, every veteran carries a different story.

WWII Veteran Acie Taylor says, "Every night for about two months, the temperature would get 40 below zero and my feet froze in the first pair of socks. I got clean socks, [and] when I pulled my socks off, my toe nails all came of with it, it was so cold."

Taylor was at the forefront of what he says were the two of the fiercest battles. “The two worst battles I ever served while I was there was the Hedgerose in France; they killed and murdered our men bad there.”

Marine Corps. Veteran Aaron Shelley said, "There were seven in my family, boys, that were in the military. I had four brothers in the Army and I was in the Marine Corps during WWII; all of us overseas at the same time."

Shelley says it was the constant prayer from his mother and loved ones that brought him and all of his siblings safely home.

However, that wasn't the same fate for thousands of other soldiers.

Army Veteran George Fien said, "A lot of men didn't make it and it's sad to think, you know, that it was built too late for millions who didn't to see it."

Sadness shifted to joy as veterans were greeted by fellow World War II veterans and retired U.S. Senator Bob Dole.

The Wiregrass Honor Flight also paid tribute to fallen friends with a wreath ceremony at Alabama’s Pillar.

WWII Veteran Bob Davis said, "I think of buddies of mine that would like to be here, but they're not. Some of them didn't even get to come back to the United States."

For those that did, seeing a memorial they created through their pain and sacrifices was a thank you they never could have imagined.

Air Force Veteran Mack Ritchie said, "It was some rough days, but it was worth it. We had to do it. I'm glad I did it, but I wouldn't want to do it again."

The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

Every inch of the monument holds a special meaning for veterans who left their lives behind when their country needed them.