Washington D.C. is arguably the most historically significant city in America. Sure, cities like Boston and New York City impacted our history, but no other place has been the capital for over 200 years. Because much of what there is to see in D.C. is based on this rich history, an interest in American history is vital for this trip, but if you have this, your D.C. experience should be amazingly rewarding. For all of my time in Washington, my family stayed at Wyndham Old Town Alexandria. While technically not in D.C., this resort provided easy transit through the Metrorail. A station was right across the street, and my family used the trains to get to almost every attraction, like the White House, Capitol, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The experience that had the most impact on me; however, was the only one that we didn’t use the Metro for: visiting memorials.
â–º SEMI FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
My family chose nighttime to visit many famous memorials in Washington because of lower temperatures and more parking, but as we visited we discovered another advantage: the beauty that the memorials take on at night. Through several hours, our visitation allowed us to understand both the historical significance of individuals or groups and the beauty of architecture.
Out of the memorials we visited, the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial were all dedicated to individuals who greatly influenced American history. The two most recognizable memorials, Jefferson’s and Lincoln’s, both featured stunningly huge neoclassical buildings surrounding statues of their respective presidents. As with all of the memorials, these demanded quiet among visitors in order to fully absorb the grandiose monuments and the significance of the historical figures. The Lincoln Memorial provided a new level of significance, as we not only admired the structure and the man it was dedicated to, but reflected on the historical significance of the place where Marian Anderson performed and Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his most famous speech. The newer Roosevelt and King memorials didn’t include huge buildings, but allowed visitors to experience the outdoors, with Roosevelt’s memorial featuring beautiful outdoor “rooms” separated by stone walls and water features. This memorial was also unique through its inclusion of two statues of Roosevelt, one where he is huge and simply sitting in a chair, and another where he is life-sized and sitting in his wheelchair, acknowledging his disability and how it made him stronger. The King memorial also featured waterfalls, as well as a huge stone sculpture of the civil rights leader, and like the other three included quotes from the memorialized for visitors to reflect on.
The other two memorials that my family visited that night were not to individuals, but to large groups: World War II and Vietnam War veterans. The National World War II Memorial centered around a huge fountain and wading pool, which was lit beautifully at night, and recognized every U.S. state and territory from whom soldiers were sent. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial was based around a huge wall bearing the names of all American soldiers killed or missing in the conflict. This is the only memorial that I wish we had visited in the daylight, because poor lighting prevented us from fully taking in the memorial and all the names included.
Although my entire trip to Washington D.C. was spectacular, the night spent at the memorials had the deepest impact, because it allowed me to fully appreciate those, whether individuals or groups, who have sacrificed and changed our country.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “A Night for Remembrance”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!