Washington's Seldom Seen Memorials

Special Tributes To Honor and Bravery

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Documentary photographs taken by Smithsonian Associates participating in a
Photographic Services Expedition Research Program.

Working with the Smithsonian's Office of Imaging, Printing and Photographic Services and the National Museum of American History's Division of Armed Forces History, a team of volunteer Smithsonian Associates led by Smithsonian Photographer Jeff Tinsley assisted the Institution in the photographic documentation of Washington's Military Memorials.

Over a Memorial Day weekend the team photographed monuments and statues large and small. Many were the well-known symbols of the Nation's Capitol. But there were also others, usually smaller, lesser known and seldom seen in official guide books. A selection of these special memorials is presented here.

"The Hiker", a memorial to those who served in the Spanish-American War. This statue depicts an American Soldier of the time, and was erected by veterans of the war. Smithsonian Photo by William McGehee.

The Seabees Memorial at Arlington Cemetery. Seabees is the nickname for the U.S. Navy Construction Battalions (CB's). Formed during World War II, they were trained in both construction and combat, and built living quarters and naval facilities in the Pacific. Smithsonian Photo by William McGehee.

Military Nurses Statue in Arlington Cemetery dedicated in 1971, "to commemorate devoted service to country and humanity by Army, Navy and Air Force Nurses". The small American Flag by the statue was placed there in honor of Memorial Day. Smithsonian Photo by Lindsay Downs.

The Battleship Maine Memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. The Maine was sunk in the harbor at Havana, Cuba, in February, 1898 and helped precipitate the start of the Spanish-American War. This monument of the ship's mast is near the Amphitheater and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Smithsonian Photo by Lindsay Downs.

The memorial to the Second Division. Located on Constitution Avenue just off the Ellipse in Washington, this flaming gold sword is passed by thousands of tourists each year. In this photo Memorial Day wreaths honoring those who served have been placed in front of the sculpture. Smithsonian Photo by Dr. Bella J. May.

The Space Shuttle Challenger memorial in Arlington National Cemetery. Dedicated to the crew of The Challenger was destroyed in a fireball shortly after launch in January 1986. This memorial, near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, depicts the faces of all seven crew. Smithsonian Photo by Dr. Bella J. May.