Washington, DC: Facts, Remembered, Memorialized

Monuments have been constructed along the National Mall to remind us of important people and events in our history.  They do bring one closer to a historical person or event.  Some are placed so that they may be seen from many vantage points.  And, all seem more spectacular when viewed among the cherry blossoms.

Washington Monument across the Tidal Basin

Washington Monument from the FDR Memorial

Jefferson Memorial across the Tidal Basin

Jefferson Memorial from the National Mall near the Washington Monument

When one stands in the larger-than-life presence of a Thomas Jefferson, and is reminded of the words he spoke to explain his philosophy, the wisdom applied to the struggles of the time becomes clear.

When one stands before the Lincoln statue, the reminders of his devotion to equality and the challenges he faced reverberate throughout the body and soul.  One is also reminded of others who have stood on the steps in front of this statue.

The Vietnam Wall created an atmosphere that could be felt as people silently walk along the wall looking at the 58,267 names of those who died in this war.

The black granite is highly polished, bringing the reflection of the viewer into the wall surface, making them a part of the memorial.

This monument is personal to many who visit.  They trace the names of loved ones and friends lost in this war.

Near the wall is a sculpture commemorating women’s role in the Vietnam War.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt monument is one of the more recent and uses different strategies to communicate with the viewer.  There is an area for each of his four presidential terms with various depictions of the era.  There is a water feature that may signify turbulent or calm times.  There are sculptures of people of the time and quotes from the President’s speeches.  The below sculpture of men standing in a bread line during the depression next to a related FDR quote seems to still relate today.  It would be good if our elected representative up the hill would walk down and read this quote daily.  Maybe their decisions would be more compassionate.