We are traveling with my elderly parents in late October to see the WW2 Memorial. Any suggestions on hotels close by that would require minimal walking? One with a restaurant/bar or at least one close by? Thanks.

I believe the JD Marriott, Willard, and Hotel Washington are the closest. They are all near the White House. You can view an area hotel map here:
http://www.dcaccommodations.com/images/DCmap.pdf

Also, keep in mind that there is (limited) handicap parking. If your parents have a hang tag, you could park there. Or a cheap cab ride.

Afraid there isn't a single hotel within easy walking distance of the WWII Memorial. Count on taking a taxi or Metro. You might want to consider Loew's L'Enfant Plaza Hotel. People get good prices and it's a nice enough hotel -- right at a Metro station and probably the closest to many Mall attractions. Or you might consider J.W. Marriott, Hotel Washington, or even (for big $$$$$) the Willard. They are all within blocks of one another near PA avenue and 14th Street.

A taxi from almost any hotel in DC to the Memorial will cost you under $10. Especially if you're there for several days and doing other things, being near the memorial doesn't have to be one of your hotel-choice criteria.

Since there are no hotels within almost a mile of the WW2 memorial, make your hotel choice on some other basis (price, amenities, proximity to restaurants, etc.) and plan to use taxis to and from the memorial.

The excellent hotel location map Puddy linked to above predates the memorial, which is on 17 Street between the Washington Monument and the Reflecting Pool.

I agree with all of the above--the hotels mentioned that are near the memorial are not really near enough to qualify as "minimal walking." So you'll be taking cabs no matter where you stay, which will be fine because they'll be able to drop you off right at the memorial. All of the hotels near-ish the memorial have restaurant/bars and there are others nearby. Good luck!