Washington DC Monuments honor Presidents, politicians, generals and soldiers. You'll find monuments all around the city, but the most famous are on or near the National Mall. Even to visit just those, you'll be better off getting a ticket for one of the hop-on-hop-off buses that circle the Mall or take a taxi.
One of the first Monuments that spring to mind is the Washington Monument. It's the most prominent feature of the District's skyline. It's that 555 foot high (185 meters) obelisk at the center of the Mall. You can get great views of Washington DC from the top. Tickets for the elevator to the observation deck can be obtained for free at a kiosk near the base of the monument. Arrive early because these tickets are very popular. You can also reserve a ticket in advance by phone or internet for only a couple of bucks.
The next monument that you will want to visit is the Lincoln Memorial. This is the Greek Classical looking building that was on the U.S. penny for years. It's at the western end of the Mall. Behind it are the Potomac and the bridge to Arlington. Inside is the 19 foot high (6 meters) marble statue of Abraham Lincoln seated in contemplation. This memorial is open to the public day and night.
Stand on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a great view of the Washington Monument, the Mall, and the Capitol Building at the other end of the Mall.
On either side of the reflecting pool that stretches in front of the Lincoln Memorial you will find the Vietnam War Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Roosevelt Memorial. There is a Women in Vietnam Memorial near the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Visit the Jefferson Memorial while you're at this end of the Mall. It is located across the tidal basin. It is a beautiful domed, circular building with a statue of Thomas Jefferson inside. If you happen to be visiting in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, this is especially pretty.
There are several other monuments and memorials around The Mall. The World War II Memorial lies along the central part of the National Mall between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial at one end of the reflecting pool. Near the Capitol Reflecting Pool at the east end of the Mall is the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.
Away from the Mall find the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
In Arlington National Cemetery you will find the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier as well as a the grave of President John F. Kennedy.
Many of these Washington DC Monuments are open late at night for visits. Most are illuminated making the skyline of Washington DC truly memorable.
by Sammy Hely
Showing posts with label korean war memorial. Show all posts
Showing posts with label korean war memorial. Show all posts
The Korean War Veterans Memorial
Tuesday, 1 January 2013 0 comments
There are many excellent choices for places to go or things to do when visiting Washington DC and most visitors plan to include stops at memorials or monuments. As you plan, the Korean War Memorial is a stop to seriously consider.
Located in the National Mall in West Potomac Park, this memorial was designed to remember and respectfully honor the courage, patriotism and dedication of all who served in what once was dubbed The Unknown War and America's Forgotten War. A silver inscription graces the area where the Korean War Memorial is located reminding all who visit that "Freedom is Not Free."
One hundred tons of black, granite was used to create the wall at the Korean War Memorial Polished to the degree that it reflects the surroundings and visitors, it was sandblasted with thousands of images taken directly from archival photos and the images show the real faces of those who served. Much consideration was given to what images would be used and in the end over 2,400 were chosen to be used throughout the memorial.
One of the Korean War Memorials most prominent and moving of features is the military squad. Stainless steel was used to create the nineteen statues that appear to be on patrol in a Korean-esque landscape dotted with Juniper bushes. The squad is comprised of the various branches of the United States Military: one from the Navy, one from the Air Force, three from the Marine Corp and fourteen from the Army.
Another feature of the Korean War Memorial is the Pool of Remembrance. Edged with the same black granite used in other areas of the memorial, this tree lined pool is a place of reflection upon the human cost of the war. Benches also line the area, as well as engravings that detail the numbers of those missing in action, wounded, POW or killed in action. Like in many of the other monuments and memorials, the use of symbolism is prolific and profound. Three Rose of Sharon bushes are planted in this area of the memorial because this is the national flower of South Korea. One interesting thing to mention is that the design of the pool reflects the squad of soldiers, but in the reflection there are not nineteen servicemen but thirty eight. The significance of this is that Korea is located on the 38th Parallel.
Deep consideration was given to this particular memorial in order to express the respect and gratitude that is deserved to all who served in the Korean War. It stands as a beautiful, moving and lasting tribute so that "America's Forgotten War" is never truly forgotten. This is a destination worth including when you are in the DC area.
http://www.tourwashingtondc.com/
by Susan Brannock
Located in the National Mall in West Potomac Park, this memorial was designed to remember and respectfully honor the courage, patriotism and dedication of all who served in what once was dubbed The Unknown War and America's Forgotten War. A silver inscription graces the area where the Korean War Memorial is located reminding all who visit that "Freedom is Not Free."
One hundred tons of black, granite was used to create the wall at the Korean War Memorial Polished to the degree that it reflects the surroundings and visitors, it was sandblasted with thousands of images taken directly from archival photos and the images show the real faces of those who served. Much consideration was given to what images would be used and in the end over 2,400 were chosen to be used throughout the memorial.
One of the Korean War Memorials most prominent and moving of features is the military squad. Stainless steel was used to create the nineteen statues that appear to be on patrol in a Korean-esque landscape dotted with Juniper bushes. The squad is comprised of the various branches of the United States Military: one from the Navy, one from the Air Force, three from the Marine Corp and fourteen from the Army.
Another feature of the Korean War Memorial is the Pool of Remembrance. Edged with the same black granite used in other areas of the memorial, this tree lined pool is a place of reflection upon the human cost of the war. Benches also line the area, as well as engravings that detail the numbers of those missing in action, wounded, POW or killed in action. Like in many of the other monuments and memorials, the use of symbolism is prolific and profound. Three Rose of Sharon bushes are planted in this area of the memorial because this is the national flower of South Korea. One interesting thing to mention is that the design of the pool reflects the squad of soldiers, but in the reflection there are not nineteen servicemen but thirty eight. The significance of this is that Korea is located on the 38th Parallel.
Deep consideration was given to this particular memorial in order to express the respect and gratitude that is deserved to all who served in the Korean War. It stands as a beautiful, moving and lasting tribute so that "America's Forgotten War" is never truly forgotten. This is a destination worth including when you are in the DC area.
http://www.tourwashingtondc.com/
by Susan Brannock
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