A Monumental Day

Walking around Washington, DC is truly a breathtaking experience. So many things inspire and uplift you. Jared had Monday off work so we decided to go see some of the sights of the big city.
We were most excited to see the Jefferson memorial because neither of us remember seeing it before. After walking through the lower portion of the memorial and coming to the portico by way of the elevator we walked into the rotunda. The statue of Jefferson is over 15 feet high and is impressive. He is gazing out toward the Washington Monument across the river. The building is open and through the columns you have amazing, scenic views. On the walls are written excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and other writings from Jefferson including this quote, "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."


Next came the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial. We didn't know this memorial even existed and we only stumbled on it taking the cherry-tree trail toward the Lincoln Memorial.
I think the memorials are all impressive and beautiful in their own way, but this memorial has a really special spirit. It's nestled among the trees and is made up of a series of water features.


"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today. Let us move forward with strong and active faith." -Franklin Delano Roosevelt


The Memorial's design concept of four outdoor "rooms" and gardens is animated by water, stone, and sculpture. Tour guides describe the symbolism of the five main water areas as:

• A single large drop - The crash of the economy that led to the Great Depression
• Multiple stairstep drops - TheTennessee Valley Authority dam-building project
• Chaotic falls at varying angles
• A still pool - Roosevelt's death
• A wide array combining the earlier waterfalls - A retrospective of Roosevelt's presidency

I think about President Roosevelt and his wife and how they were so influential but also experienced many personal struggles (not to mention political struggles). I felt a tender peace and renewed respect for this man and woman.

Sculptures include a depiction of the 32nd president alongside his dog Fala and scenes from the Great Depression, such as listening to radio and waiting in a bread line (recognize that 6th man?). A bronze statue of First Lady Eleanore Roosevelt standing before the United Nations emblem honors her dedication to to that organization. It is the only presidential memorial to depict a first lady.

Next we walked up to the Lincoln Memorial. Despite what you may think, this was the most deserted monument. Nobody to be seen for miles, *wink*wink.*

The Lincoln Memorial was somewhat difficult to appreciate because there are so many people that come to admire the memorial and the view up the reflecting pool to the Washington Monument.

This time, I did notice something I didn't know existed at the Lincoln Memorial. I was so intrigued with two murals high above on south and north chambers (above the Gettysburg address and Lincoln's second inaugural address). These murals were painted by Jules Guerin graphically portraying governing principles evident in Lincoln's life. On the south wall mural, Freedom, Liberty, Immortality, Justice, and the Law are pictured, while the north wall portrays Unity, Fraternity, and Charity. Both scenes contain a background of cypress trees, the emblem of eternity.


Overall, a very awe-inspiring monument and a great end to a beautiful day exploring and appreciating these dear presidents that helped shape our nation.

We didn't get up to the Washington Monument, but it's beauty is hard to miss from the monuments we did visit.