Awake at night: D.C. monuments honor nation’s history
November 23, 2019
Students participated in a Monuments by Moonlight Tour of the capital’s monuments, visiting the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Korean War memorial.
Against the dark sky of the city, monuments twinkle brightly, a constant reminder not only of the nation’s history but also a promise for the future.
United States Capitol. This building is home to both the House of Representatives and the Senate with the Statue of Freedom sitting atop the dome at 19.5 feet tall.
Washington Monument. In front of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, the Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the area, built to commemorate George Washington.
Jefferson Memorial. Built to commemorate the life of Thomas Jefferson, the building is currently undergoing construction to repair the roof and the stone and to return the shine that it once had.
Lincoln Memorial. Congress planned a tribute to Abraham Lincoln immediately after his assassination in 1865, but controversy and war delayed the opening of the memorial until 1922.
Lincoln Memorial. This statue of the late President Abraham Lincoln stands to honor him with a replica of him sitting on the chair where he was assassinated.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The 30 foot-tall, granite structure in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial illustrates a stone of hope, inspired by his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Korean War Veterans Memorial. Located southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and south of the Reflecting Pool, it depicts steel sculptures of American soldiers in action to honor the many soldiers who lost their lives in the Korean War.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. The 450 foot-long Inscription Wall features 14 quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speeches, sermons and writings, honoring justice, democracy, hope and love.