This was built in honor of the most significant men in American History. One hundred and seventy five odd years have passed since he died but principles he put forward: "a wall of separation between church and state" and phrases he used in the Declaration of Independence "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are still the lifeblood of everyday American politics. The almost giddy and magical effect of the words "... that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" seems to be at odds with the fact that he was himself a slave owner. On his watch, the United States expanded its territorial size greatly with the Louisiana Purchase for which he is immortalized on Mt. Rushmore. The third president of the United States held other, non-presidential, achievements more dear. By his own estimate as evidenced by his choice of words for his own epitaph his achievements were: "Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia".
The Lincoln Memorial
Abraham Lincoln is easily the best known American President. He led the nation through its most turbulent times and saved the Union from being split into two after the Civil War. The Lincoln Memorial is adorned by 35 pillars to signify the 35 states that were in the Union at the time of his presidency. The Gettysburg address is carved on one of the walls inside. It is the most impressive of the presidential memorials.
The Washington Monument
The tallest structure in Washington D.C., the monument offers panoramic views of every area in the capital.
The Korean and Vietnam War Memorials
Over 50,00 Americans died in each of these wars; fought in one form or another as a stand against Communism. Neither was popular, with the Vietnam war being violently protested against in the country. These memorials aimed to bring closure to the veterans who lost friends and life itself during these events.
Iwo Jima Memorial
Iwo Jima, a small Japanese island, was the stage for a bloody battle between the Japanese and U.S. forces. The memorial commemorates the flag raising by a group of victorious Marines as photographed by Joe Rosenthal.
The United States Capitol
The seat of the US Government, the Capitol houses the Senate and the House of Representatives. Entrance is free. If Congres is in session, passes are available from your senator or representative whose buildings are right across the street. The friendliness with which these passes are handed out is clearly a sign of how seriously democracy is taken. We attended a session of the senate and lucked out with a close finance bill being voted on and got a chance to see all the blockbuster senators - Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, John McCain, Dianne Feinstein, Joe Lieberman etc. coming in to vote. The final vote was 50-50 and the vice-president, Dick Cheney was brought it to tilt it to the Republicans.
Both Photography and drawing are prohibited inside the chambers. Photography is allowed from the outside but check for rules regarding tripods. I had the uneasy experience of looking through my tripod-ed SLR and finding a soldier in all-black looking right back at me with a pair of high-powered binoculars. She beckoned me over. I ran up the stairs to her and was told that tripods weren't allowed but that I could take one tripod-ed last shot of my wife and that was that. Funnily, there were no signs anywhere banning tripods but I thought it best not to bring it up with a person with binoculars in one hand and an automatic rifle with sight in the other and a earpiece sneaking its way to the back of her head.
The National Cathedral
Other things to see in DC
The nation's capital is so chock-a-block with things to see that most memorials end up in the 'also seen' category. The other obvious candidates for a visit are the Museums and the White House.
Comments from others who've read this article
1. on Tuesday, 11-Dec-2007 Jazmine Windley said:
i love thease pictures i want to learn more
2. on Sunday, 07-Oct-2007 April said:
I just came home today from visiting Washington D.C, it is a truly beautiful and amazing place to visit. I recommend visiting when you are able to really acknowledge our history and what everything means. Most of the photos that are on this page I also have from my camera, the Washington Monument shows up everywhere.....I went to DC for work and really came home with a feeling of pride for my country. DC really opens your eyes to what our country stands for and who helped us acheive what we have.
3. on Wednesday, 25-Apr-2007 mama said:
I have visited Washington D.C when I saw some pictures of it. It truly was B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!
4. on Sunday, 25-Mar-2007 Chloe said:
I have never been to Washington D.C. but with these pictures are so great iut fells like I just took a tour through it
5. on Tuesday, 18-Jul-2006 HOSSAM ALI ALAMIN said:
IAM A GREEN CARD HOLDER .ILOVE USA SO MUCH .IVISITED WASHINGTON DC AND ALL YHE PLACES IN THE ABOVE PHOTOS TOUCHED ME SO MUCH.IWILL LIVE IN DC FOR THE REST OF MY LIVE.LOVE TO ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS BECAUSE IL LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY.LOVE HOSSAM A.ALAMIN .SUDANESE -AMERCAN.
6. on Wednesday, 26-Apr-2006 Dillan said:
Yo d00d, these pictures are great! You guys saved my exit project! Thanks!
7. on Tuesday, 28-Mar-2006 VLB said:
Great pictures makes me a little homesick especally this time of year when D. C. is now showing off all her spring blossums. I wish I was able to come home for a visit, but I haven't been able to for a long time. I grew up there and moved away in the early 70's when I married my late husband. Mom and Dad moved away soon after my husband died to help me with their grandchildren, when they were small. They are now all grown with children of their own. Maybe one day I will be able to come home for a visit but now these are just what the doctor ordered.
8. on Sunday, 12-Mar-2006 Tamara said:
Thank you for the lovely pictures. I am a native of Washington, D.C. and have been away from my home city for some time now. These pics bring it back for me.
9. on Sunday, 08-Jan-2006 Samantha said:
These r great pics of Washington D.C. i've beent there and it seems just like i'm there again their awesome
10. on Thursday, 17-Nov-2005 kayla said:
WOW! those pictures make you feel like your actually there!! THEY ROCK!!
11. on Friday, 11-Nov-2005 Greg said:
These are dynamic and inspirational photographs. A true reflection of the power of America
12. on Thursday, 10-Nov-2005 GEORGE said:
THE PICTURES ARE FANTASTIC
13. on Saturday, 19-Mar-2005 Jessica said:
All the Pictures Are very B-E-A-utiful! It has inspired me to take a trip to Washington D.C! Thank YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
