Washington DC Memorials

United States History can be exciting to study. Stories of the first settlers learning how to live in a new land, or the Declaration of Independence bring the past to life. But the fact of the matter is that history wasn't always so great. Much of our nation's freedom came at a price, and often that price was the loss of many lives. A number of attractions in Washington DC seek to remember those that have fallen in America's wars. While they might not be quite as fun as a tour of the Air and Space Museum, these memorials are important for students to visit. An educational tour to one of these memorials is a great way to teach students about some of the most far reaching world events, as well as show them the importance of commemorating those who have given everything for the freedom we enjoy.

One of the most popular memorials in Washington DC is the Arlington National Cemetery. This cemetery was established during the Civil War, and serves as a military cemetery for those who gave their lives in every American War. This cemetery contains the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater which is used for state funerals and veteran's ceremonies. It is also the site of the Tomb of the Unknowns, originally called Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This large white marble tomb is the site where unknown soldiers from World wars I and II, Vietnam and Korea are buried.

The National World War II Memorial is located near the Washington Monument. The large plaza commemorates the 400,000 lives lost in WWII with a "field of stars"; a large stone slab with 4,000 stars attached to it. The Korean War Veteran's Memorial is also a place of interest. This memorial contains the Pool of Remembrance, a black granite pool with inscriptions that remember the dead, wounded and missing. The memorial also contains sculptures of the soldiers who fought in the Korean War. Another famous memorial is the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial. Memorial Wall is the most famous feature here. Two large black granite walls contain the names of 58,256 soldiers. Each name has a symbol next to it that indicates confirmed dead or missing in action. Visitors can make pencil rubbings of particular names, and even leave items to remember loved ones. Non-perishable items are archived in the Museum and Archaeological Regional Storage Facility.

Another memorial that might be of interest is the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. This museum is not dedicated to American soldiers, but to the millions of Jews killed in the Second World War. The museum features a permanent exhibition including a time-line of the persecution that Jews faced, a Hall of Remembrance where visitors can light a candle in memory of those killed and several video and audio presentations that include survivor's tales. There is also a special exhibition which features temporary displays on specialized topics such as the Nazi Olympics, current propaganda against Jews and other displays of more concentrated interest. The museum is free of charge, but requires a ticket to enter the permanent exhibition, so be sure to call in advance. Student tours and group passes can be obtained.

Here are several options for viewing memorials. These can be valuable experiences that teach students the value of life, and the importance of recognizing the people who helped shape our country and our world.