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WWII Memorial
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As noted in (Day 121-Washington DC) quite a few memorials have been erected since my last visit to DC. Today was a visit to the Washington DC War Memorials which was a moving experience when you take the time to reflect about all the lives that they honor and the history behind each one.
Reflection
During our 12 mile walk, we made it to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. These three memorials along with WWI Memorial, are sandwiched between the Lincoln Memorial on the top and the Washington Monument on the bottom, they surround the Reflecting Pool with Constitutional Ave to right and Independence Ave to the left. Now that is some good planning! Each one is so different but seemed so appropriate for the representing war.
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| WWII Memorial between Lincoln and Washington Monument |
America entered WWII in 1941 to “liberate tyranny.” The WW II Memorial was by far the most impressive to me. It was huge as it memorialized a huge war, honoring 16 million who served with over 400,000 giving there lives for the cause. Pillars representing each state were arranged in the order that they entered the union. The pillars surrounded a fountain which represents the ocean to remind viewers that the war was fought between two oceans. Thus an Atlantic and Pacific pavilion is located at each end. (Pittsburgh also has an impressive WWII memorial that localizes the war which was the subject of Day 5- Visit A War Memorial).
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| Korean War Memorial |
The Korean War which occurred only 5 years after WWII in 1950, lasted three (3) years. The US joined with Japan and South Korea to fight against the communist government of North Korea. The Korean War Memorial's 19 statutes are life like tired giants creeping through the bush. It gives you a feel of what American ground troops had to endure. To the left there is a black granite polished wall with ghostlike etched faces which are based on actual photographs of unidentified American soldiers. It was by far my favorite memorial because of its artistry- maybe also because my father served in this war.
Vietnam Veteran Memorial is striking for personalizing the many lives lost by etching each name in black granite. The 246 foot long wall sits lower than the ground so you walk down on the path and this gave me the feeling of walking through a tomb. It was surprisingly quit as we walked though, no one talked.(My stepfather served in this war.)
It is worth the trip to visit them or as I recommended in blog Day 5- visit any memorial. (Tip: in DC take part in the free hourly tours sponsored by the National Park Service. )
Spiritual Reflection
Show respect for everyone.Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king. (1 Peter 2:17)
Show respect for everyone.Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God. Show respect for the king. (1 Peter 2:17)
Other sources
War Memorial in USA at http://www.usatoday.com/experience/weekend/my-weekend-experience/war-memorials-around-the-usa/9321371/