May 30, 2005
Memorials
Everyone probably recognizes the first three: the Three Servicemen Statue at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Wall of Names, and the World War II Memorial.
The fourth is the District of Columbia World War Memorial. It is located in West Potomac Park, an easy walk from the rest of the tourist attractions, though when the trees are full it is almost hidden. I have seen people pass it, wonder aloud what it is, and keep walking.
Commissioned in 1924 and completed in 1931, the Doric temple is inscribed with the names of the District residents (including women and African-Americans, a significant inclusion for the time) killed in World War I. The dome is large enough to cover the full Marine Corps band, who played at the dedication under the direction of John Philip Sousa.
Posted by Nic at May 30, 2005 01:00 AM