Post #1 - LANDMARKS

The Jefferson Memorial

Being completed in 1943, the Jefferson Memorial was built for the third president of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson;as well as being built in honor of the declaration of independence. This landmark will forever be a great influence to the USA, not only does it have important historic passages for all to read, but it also serves as a great reminder for what we the people stand for.

The Jefferson Memorial is located right off the Potomac River and is incredibly accessible being open to the public 24 hours a day.  

My personal favorite regarding the historical landmark was the Southwest Panel; in which ultimately gives tribute to the spirit of America. Within this location you can find multiple quotes, depicting letters,lines from the declaration of independence, famous sayings and many beliefs of Thomas Jefferson. One quote I found quite inspirational was, "Preach, my dear sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish & improve the law for educating the common people."

The pictures above are parts of the Declaration of Independence for all visitors to read, a quality in which I found to be quiet remarkably informative as well as deeply cultural. 

The Vietnam War Memorial

The Vietnam War Memorial is a landmark in which pays respects to the thousands of men who have lost their lives due to the brutal battle in hopes of establishing the American dream- Freedom for all. In result to the many tears that have been shed countless times when visiting this admirable landmark, it has been settled as one of the most heartfelt locations with deep meaning and a ruff history. The Memorial lists 58,272 names, with about 1200 listed as missing. What I found to be quite important about the memorial were the diamonds and crosses in which confirmed the death or missing/unknown whereabouts of an individual. Another symbol would be a circle around a cross which is indicated as a symbol of life; as of today, no circle appears on the wall.

This monument is important because it serves as a piece of honor and thanks to members of the U.S armed forces who gave there lives in the crucial Vietnam War (1954-1975). It was this exact sacrifice that we should never forget and forever be grateful.

In addition to the abounding number of soldiers on the wall, there is an alluring bronze sculpture depicting two women carrying an injured man, the sculpture serves as a representation to the 10,000 women who helped and served in Vietnam.

Arlington National Cemetery

The Arlington National Cemetery was established May 18, 1864. With over 624 acres of land, it is all reserved for veterans and military casualties who served in the American Civil War, Afghanistan, and Iraqi War. It is only proper to be grateful by categorizing every soldier to be buried next to their fighting brothers and sisters who also gave their lives in hopes of a better tomorrow. The Shrine serves a purpose with the vision of a "living history of freedom"; where bravery, dignity, and honor rest in solemn peace.

This beautiful landscape serves as a tribute to the service and sacrifice of every individual laid to rest within the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery.

 This cemetery had a great  impact on me that was deeply respectful. By visiting such a beautiful monument, it helped me reflect on how grateful one should be to live in such an enticing country;were lives are sacrificed and lost every day.

When you  first enter the sacred shrine of lost soldiers, this sign stood sturdy; in which I personally found to be quite respectable. A reminder in which recent generations have demoralized today.

"Please Conduct Yourselves With Dignity And Respect At All Times"

The Ford's Theater

The Ford's Theater, once referred as "Ford's Athena", was established in 1861 and was originally constructed in 1833. John T. Ford had bought the former church in which he turned into a local entertainment theater. 

You can find the theater at 51110th Street Washington DC, 20004.

Just one year later, in 1862, the theater burned down and was rebuilt within the following year. The picture above is the aftermath of the fire at Ford's Theater in which people sadly fell victim to as well.

The Ford's Theater is also the place in which President Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865. This impacted me in a strong way. It is truly sad how at one moment you can be going about life happily and have it all end within the push of a trigger.