Thursday January 29, 2009
Monuments and Memorials
Washington, DC, is well-known for its many monuments and memorials. A walk down Constitution Avenue will take you past numerous sites that honor military heroes, patriots and others who have been instrumental in our country's history or democracy throughout the world. Here's a list of some of the most visited sites in DC.
| Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial (202) 426-6841 8am-11:45pm daily No tickets needed |
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This monument to our 32nd President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, is located along the Cherry Tree Walk at the western edge of the Tidal Basin. It is a sequence of four outdoor rooms—one devoted to each of FDR’s four terms in office. The sculptures and artwork throughout the rooms strive to provide an accurate depiction of FDR, including a 10-foot statue of him seated in a wheeled chair. The memorial was dedicated in 1997. |
| Jefferson Memorial (202) 426-6841 Open 24 hours a day, year-round Park rangers are available 9:30am-11:30pm daily No tickets needed |
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The monument to our 3rd President, Thomas Jefferson, resembles the Roman Parthenon with marble steps, a portico and a high dome. The walls are inscribed with Jefferson's ideas and philosophies. The memorial, which was dedicated in 1943, and the nearby Tidal Basin are surrounded by Japanese cherry trees donated by the city of Tokyo in 1912. The Jefferson Memorial area is the center of attention during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. |
| Korean War Memorial (202) 426-6841 Open 24 hours a day, year-round Park rangers are available 9:30am-11:30pm No tickets needed |
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The design of this memorial gives visitors a feel for what was faced by soldiers serving in Korea from 1950 to 1953. With 19 larger than life-size statues representing a squad on patrol, a long black granite wall with photographic images, and a Pool of Remembrance, the memorial, which was dedicated in 1995, provides a stirring tribute to one million and a half veterans who served in the Korean War. |
| Lincoln Memorial (202) 426-6841 Open 24 hours a day, year-round; park rangers available 9:30am-11:30pm daily No tickets needed |
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A solemn remembrance of the legacy of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, this is a must for Civil War buffs. This 28-foot tall statue was dedicated on May 30, 1922, and is located at the west end of the National Mall, and resembles a Greek Doric temple. Its 36 columns represent the states of the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. It has been the site of many historic gatherings and speeches, including 1963's "I Have A Dream" speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. |
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial |
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Somber memorial that honors all of our country’s law enforcement personnel. Wall contains the names of the more than 17,500 officers who have killed in the line of duty beginning in 1792. At an annual candlelight vigil held each year during National Police Week in May, the names of officers who have fallen in the last year are added. Visitors Center highlights the Memorial and contains more than 30 exhibits and an interactive video kiosk. Also display cases with mementos left at the Memorial. |
| Theodore Roosevelt Island Dawn to dusk Three visitors centers on the island are generally open from 9am-4:30pm No tickets needed |
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This wooded sanctuary in the Potomac River is dedicated to our conservation-minded 26th President. It contains nature trails throughout the island along with a large memorial statue of Roosevelt. No bicycles are permitted, but there are plenty of walking opportunities. |
| U.S. Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima Memorial) (703) 289-2500 for scheduled events Open 24 hours a day, year-round No tickets needed |
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The bronze replica of the iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning photo taken shortly by news photographer Joe Rosenthal after the Battle of Iwo Jima commemorates the soldiers of the U.S. Marine Corps who paid the ultimate price for their country. The base of the memorial contains the names and dates of every principal Marine Corps engagement since the founding of the Corps. It offers lots of open ground around the memorial for picnicking and play. You can also enjoy the nearby Netherlands Carillon. |
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(202) 737-2300 North side, Pennsylvania Avenue at 8th, NW, Washington, DC |
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The statue, The Lone Sailor, was dedicated in 1992. It stands on the Quarterdeck of the Naval Heritage Center, adjacent to the Memorial Plaza. It is surrounded by fountains, pools, flagpole masts and sculptural panels depicting historic achievements of the Navy and sea services. The statue was designed by sculptor Stanley Bleifeld, and represents all those who have served, are serving and have yet to serve in the Navy and other sea services. |
| Vietnam Veterans Memorial (202) 426-6841 Open 24 hours a day, year-round Park rangers are available 9:30am-11:30pm No tickets needed |
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"The Wall" is a somber tribute to those men and women who gave their lives during the Vietnam War. It honors those who died by listing their names on the Memorial Wall, a sleek expanse of black granite that sinks into the ground in a V-shape. The award-winning design by Maya Lin was selected from nearly 1,500 entries, and it was dedicated in 1982. Items are frequently left at The Wall by family members, friends and comrades of those who served in the war. You can locate specific names on The Wall through a directory placed at the west end of the memorial. Nearby are two additional statues: The Three Soldiers and the Vietnam Women’s Memorial that honor contributions made by those who fought in the Vietnam War. |
| Washington Monument (202) 426-6841 9am-4:45pm daily Tickets are free and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets can also be purchased on-line for a small transaction fee. |
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No building in Washington, DC, is allowed to be taller than this 555-foot monument to our 1st President, George Washington. Dedicated in 1885, it is shaped like an Egyptian obelisk and took 40 years to build. The 50 flags that surround the base of the monument represent the 50 states. Elevators take you to the top of the monument; lines can be long, but move quickly. |
| World War II Memorial (202) 426-6841 Open 24 hours a day, year-round Park rangers are available 9:30am-11:30pm No tickets needed |
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The National World War II Memorial, dedicated in 2004, commemorates the sacrifice and celebrates the victory of the of the WWII generation. It honors the 16 million who served, those at home who supported the war, and the more than 400,000 who died in the conflict. The Freedom Wall contains 4,448 stars, one for every 100 Americans who died in WWII. |
