Presidents Day: Philadelphia's Washington Monument

In Philly, The Philadelphia Museum of Art is a recognizable building. 

Some know it as the place where Rocky Balboa famously ran up the steps. 

Many of us use it as a landmark to get our bearings around the city. 

Some may recall that directly in front of the Art Museum is a huge fountain;
what most don’t know is that the name of that fountain is the Washington Monument.
“She must be mistaken,” you’re thinking, “That’s the obelisk in Washington, D.C.”
You’d be correct, but in fact, Philadelphia, along with D.C., 
can boast of its own monument to honor our nation’s first president.

Designed by Rudolf Siemering, the majestic fountain was dedicated in 1897. 

The bronze and granite sculpture features General Washington astride his horse. 

An impression of Washington’s face was made and used to replicate his likeness.

The 44' high, 3-tiered monument depicts the man, his times, & his country.
The middle section represents Washington's place in US history:
the period leading up to the Revolutionary War, the victory, and the aftermath.
Two females allegorically represent America.
One is the rallying cry of battle, and the other, 
Liberty as she crushes the chains of oppression from Britain.

Additional sculpted plaques and emblems also depict the time period.

The base of the monument represents Washington's country.
There are four fountains, including statues of Native Americans, representing 
great rivers of the colonial US: the Delaware, Hudson, Potomac, and Mississippi.

(I was disappointed that the fountains were not filled and working at the time.)

Impressive, detailed sculptures of animals native to the US 

are on the sides of each fountain: buffalo, elk, moose, a bear and a bull.

I encourage you to stop by the Washington Monument and see it for yourself.
As is often the case, photos don't do it justice.
A great monument to a great man and US president,
located in the City of Brotherly Love.

Commemorating Veterans Day with Photos from Washington DC's World War II Memorial

With another Veteran's Day upon us, I honor those who have served our country 
with highlights from our visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.

It's situated between the Washington Monument and, on the other 
end of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial.

This depiction of an amphibious landing is one of 

24 bronze bas-relief sculptures lining the entrance to the memorial. 

A 43' pavilion on each end of the plaza represents the Pacific and Atlantic conflicts.

Inside each one is a bronze baldacchino (a ceremonial canopy) 

featuring four American eagles holding a laurel victory wreath.

Fifty-six granite pillars represent each state and territory of the United States.
They're arranged according to the order of entry into the Union.

The pillars are connected at their bases by 

bronze rope sculptures, symbolizing the country's unity.

Each 17' pillar is adorned with a bronze wreath of either oak leaves or wheat.

I appreciated the opportunity for deep contemplation and thoughts of gratitude 

to my father, my father-in-law, uncles, and fathers of friends who served in WWII.

The impressive Freedom Wall features 4,000 gold stars,

each representing 100 American service personnel,

honoring over 400,000 who died or remain missing in WWII.

Freedom isn't free. 

The Rainbow Pool with its beautiful fountains is the centerpiece of the Memorial.

To every US Veteran, we honor and respect what you did for our country.

Please know that your service is appreciated.

National WWII Memorial
17th Street Independence Ave. Southwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20037

Learn more here:
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National Park Service

While we're at it, a shot of the majestic Washington Monument.

Do you have family members who've served in WWII?
I'd love to hear about it in the Comments section below!