People go to memorials to learn about the past and as a tradition. At the World War II memorial the stars on the wall represent the soldiers that died during the war. The pillars around the outer part of the memorial represent the state that was founded better the war. The best part about going to the memorials is that the plaques. They tell you about some of the actual events.
And if you're in Washington D.C. you should go over to the Arlington cemetery and see the
grave