Washington DC
Over last spring’s Easter break, my family and I traveled to Washington D.C. to tour some colleges my older brother was interested in applying to in surrounding areas. Although that was the main reason for our trip, we also got to tour various important and iconic landmarks in the meantime between college tours.
Korean War Memorial
Among my favorites was the Korean War Veterans Memorial. Created by sculptor Frank Gaylord, nineteen stainless steel men march through a field, each with a distinct, vivid, and realistic expression. It was truly captivating to witness, and makes you feel as though you were really on the battlefield. It is a somber scene but one that stands as a testament to the lives we lost and the war’s undeniable effect on the United States’ history.
The United States Capitol Building
Another memorable landmark my family and I visited was the Capitol. One of the most iconic places in the U.S, it is located at the end of the National Mall on top of Capitol Hill. My family got the amazing opportunity to take a tour throughout the building. My favorite part of the tour was visiting the National Statuary Hall. The chamber was once a meeting place for the House of Representatives after the official meeting hall was destroyed in the War of 1812, but was later repurposed to an art hall due to poor acoustics. Each state contributes two statues of important historical figures of their choosing. Thirty-five are displayed in the Statuary Hall while the remainder are placed in other various parts of the Capitol building.
The Lincoln Memorial
The Lincoln Memorial was another favorite location of mine. Designed by Daniel French and carved by the Piccirilli brothers, it commemorates one of the greatest, if not the greatest, president of the United States with an incredible twenty-foot-tall stature. Written on the walls are excerpts from some of Lincoln’s most memorable and important speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address. Known as the man who freed the slaves and saved the Union, he is completely deserving of this legendary monument. I myself look up to Lincoln very much because of his leadership, humility, and kindness, so visiting this statue meant a lot to me.
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Finally, we visited Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s memorial. Another great president who helped the United States of America through some of our most difficult times, like World War II and the Great Depression, he is an inspirational figure to me and many others. His memorial is the largest presidential memorial in all of Washington DC. It is filled with some of his most famous quotes, beautiful bronze sculptures, and waterfalls spread throughout 7 acres.
