Friday, October 10, 2008

DC Pictures: Memorials and Monuments

(((This is DC Pic Post #1. Read more here about what in the world that means. )))

Our main goal in going to Washington was to see all the
monuments and memorials in hopes to give our family a big taste of our nations history...and hopefully by sharing our pics (and little known facts of each monument) you will might get a taste too!!

Click on picture to get a better view or to read writings better.


Lincoln Memorial
“In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.” Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States—the Great Emancipator and preserver of the nation during the Civil War—sits immortalized in marble. As an enduring symbol of Freedom, the Lincoln Memorial attracts anyone who seeks inspiration and hope.














The kiddos posing with Lincoln.












Lincoln on the penny and his Gettysburg Address engraved on the interior wall.












Geese flying over the Lincoln Memorial






Washington Monument

The Washington Monument is the most prominent, as well as one of the older, attractions in Washington, D.C. It was built in honor of George Washington, who led the country to independence, and then became its first President. The Monument is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk, 555’ 5 1/8” high, and averages 30 to 40 miles visibility in clear weather. It was finished on December 6, 1884.

Nana and the girls up against the wall and (pretend) leaning on the monument.































We went up in the top of the monument. You can look out the windows on each side (N,E,S,W) and see all of DC.

Here is a pic of the kiddos looking at the Capitol. (Click on pic to get a better view)








A picture is shown as to what the view of the White House looked like in 1903,








then a view in 1934-










and look at what it looks like today! Pretty cool!










On the long ride back down the elevator, the guide let Dylan control the buttons- he felt so special.
























World War II Memorial
This memorial was special to me because my grandfather (Pawpaw Bounds) fought in this war and survived as a POW. He passed away a little over ten years ago. He would share his stories of his time serving to us grandkids all the time.
Th commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of "the greatest generation." Friedrich St.Florian’s winning designe World War II Memorial balances classical and modernist styles of architecture, harmonizes with its natural and cultural surroundings, and connects the legacy of the American Revolution and the American Civil War with a great crusade to rid the world of fascism...






















Each of these little 4,048 gold stars represents 100 Americans who died during the war. Theres a sign in front that says something like "This is where we mark the price of freedom". Very moving.















Theodore Roosevelt Island
One of Theodore Roosevelt’s greatest legacies was his dedication to conservation. Today, this island stands as a fitting memorial to the outdoorsman, naturalist, and visionary who was our 26th President..












We really enjoyed running, lounging, and playing on the island. It sure was a long walk to and fro- but well worth it.



























Thomas Jefferson Memorial

The words of Thomas Jefferson, some written more than 200 years ago, have shaped American ideals. Today, many of these impressive, stirring words adorn the interior walls of his memorial. The Thomas Jefferson Memorial stands as a symbol of liberty and endures as a site for reflection and inspiration for all citizens of the United States and the world.



























Franklin D. Roosevelt

This is a memorial not only to our 32nd president FDR, but also to the era he represents. The memorial traces twelve years of American History through a sequence of four outdoor rooms.

















George Segal's "Breadline" with the Stricklands included.













Beautiful Waterfalls





Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Setting aside the controversies of the war, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served when their Nation called upon them. The designer, Maya Lin, felt that “the politics had eclipsed the veterans, their service and their lives.” She kept the design elegantly simple to “allow everyone to respond and remember.”











Such a memorable experience we hope the kids will never forget.



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

WOW that was a trip of a life time!!! I hope that one day my family can the same kind of wonderful memory makin' experience you did!!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Can't wait to see the rest. I never even knew you could go up into the Washington monument. I'm learning things too!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I love all the pics, what an amazing memory opportunity - when I finally make it there some day I will make sure I ask for your tips!