D.C.’s variety is monumental

The new World War II Memorial may be the star attraction this summer in the nation’s capital, but there are many other conflicts memorialized in the Washington area that pay tribute and open a window on how our country remembers itself. Among them:

* The National Mall: Three major war memorials lie between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, each with a distinct take on war and remembrance: the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials, along with the Three Servicemen Statue and Vietnam Women’s Memorial. (202) 426-6841, www.nps.gov/nama.

* The African American Civil War Memorial: This honors the 209,145-strong United States Colored Troops, listing servicemen’s names and depicting them in a sculpture. A nearby museum enables descendants to trace ancestors. Memorial at 10th Street and Vermont Avenue, N.W.; museum at 1200 U St. N.W., (202) 667-2667, www.afroamcivilwar.org.

* Arlington National Cemetery: More than 260,000 simple gravesites may be our most striking war memorial. There are also monuments to Spanish-American War nurses and more than 400 nurses who died in World War I, along with the Tomb of the Unknowns from WWI, WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Arlington, Va., (703) 607-8000, www.arlingtoncemetery.org.

* Women in Military Service for America Memorial: A dramatic wall, archway and terrace honor 2 million women who served. At the education center, visitors can access a database of servicewomen. At the Arlington National Cemetery entrance. (800) 222-2294, www.womensmemorial.org.

* Nuns of the Battlefield Monument: This bronze panel depicts 12 nuns from various orders, representing hundreds who nursed Civil War wounded from both sides. Rhode Island Avenue and M Street N.W.

* U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial: Based on a photo of Marines raising the U.S. flag on Iwo Jima during WWII, these massive figures are 32 feet tall. North of Arlington National Cemetery. (703) 289-2500, www.nps.gov/gwmp/usmc.htm.

* U.S. Navy Memorial. Past the Lone Sailor statue, cast in bronze mixed with bits of metal from historic vessels, is a 100-foot, 108-ton granite map of the world. The memorial foundation’s Navy Log is a registry of those who served. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W.; (202) 737-2300, www.lonesailor.org.

* The War Memorial Chapel at Washington National Cathedral. Along with stained-glass windows depicting patriotic icons and events, this chapel offers a national roll of honor. In the window over the altar, look for the Four Chaplains who gave up their lifejackets to save others on a sinking troop ship in 1943. Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues N.W. (202) 537-6200, www.nationalcathedral.org.

Getting around: Tourmobile stops at the memorials on the Mall, Arlington National Cemetery and other sites. Adults $20, children ages 3 to 11, $10. (888) 868-7707, www.tourmobile.com.