ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Memorial Day. It’s the special day when we honor our war dead, the men and the women who paid the ultimate sacrifice to make us whole and keep us whole.
And if there is one city in all of America that puts “memorial” in Memorial Day, it’s our national capital.
There are monuments and memorials in every quadrant of Washington, D.C., with some of the most popular between the U.S. Capitol and edges of the Potomac River, where the annual Rolling Thunder activities include a Friday evening candlelight vigil at the heart-stirring Vietnam Veterans Memorial, continue Saturday with the Thunder Alley on Constitution Avenue and culminate Sunday with the 28th thunderous ride into the city, where many bikers will attend the Memorial Day concert on the grounds of the Capitol.
On Monday, the official Memorial Day, there will be wreath-layings and barbecues galore as we officially kick off summer.
Memorial Day, as you know, isn’t the only day we honor our veterans and wounded warriors. There’s Flag Day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, D-Day, V-J Day and, frankly, any day you choose.
One thing I can do on your behalf is make getting around easier while you’re here, and in honor of the many men and women who prefer to stay as close to the Capitol as possible to catch the star-studded annual concert. Sure, it’s going to be broadcast as usual on PBS, but if you want to do a proper memorial trek and stick close to the Capitol grounds for the 8 p.m. showtime, here are my five top picks:
1) Peace Monument. Located in Peace Circle on First Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the Capitol, the monument was erected in 1877-78 to honor deaths at sea. Atop are classically robed female figures, Grief and History, the latter holding a tablet that says, “They died that their country might live.” Below them stands Peace, holding an olive branch. Below Peace are an infant Mars (god of war) and an infant Neptune (god of the sea). All are situated on a pedestal inside a fountain whose inscription reads: “In memory of the officers, seamen and marines of the United States Navy who fell in defense of the Union and liberty of their country, 1861-1865.”
2) Lincoln Park. Pierre L’Enfant included this park in his original 1791 plan to be the point from which all distances in North America would be measured. The first park to bear the 16th president’s name, Lincoln Park (originally Lincoln Square) includes the Freedmen’s Memorial to Abraham Lincoln and the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial, a bronze monument honoring the educator and activist. In Bethune’s right hand is a cane given to her by President Franklin Roosevelt, and to her left are two school-age children. An inscription reads: “I leave you love. • I leave you hope. • I leave you the challenge of developing confidence in one another. • I leave you a thirst for education. • I leave you a respect for the use of power. • I leave you faith. • I leave you racial dignity. • I leave you also a desire to live harmoniously with your fellow man. • I leave you finally a responsibility to our young people.”
3) Eastern Market. L’enfant wanted one. Thomas Jefferson proclaimed the designation for one. The Eastern Market that now stands at Seventh and Pennsylvania Avenue SE first opened in 1873 and has remained opened ever since but for a closing to recover from a devastating fire in spring 2007. If you’re a celebrity and politician gawker, this is the place to be. It’s a must, whether you’re looking for food to cook, food on the go or food for dining. Souvenirs and gifts galore, courtesy of local and nationally artisans. Best if on foot. Man’s best friends are as welcome as your credit cards. A pre-concert cup o’ joe? You bet.
4) U.S. Botanic Garden. This isn’t just a garden plot, it’s your garden plot. That means you and family can walk, browse and sit for a spell. You also can check out garden-focused cooking — which deliciously takes you beyond the perfunctory grow-your-own tomatoes. And kids, young and old, are encouraged to explore. Your garden is located within walking distance of the Peace Monument.
5) National Memorial Day Concert. Featuring award-winners Joe Mantegna, Gary Sinise, S. Epatha Merkenson and Esai Morales. The general himself, Colin Powell. The iconic Beach Boys and the heart-stealing Trace Adkins. And many, many more. I’m told it’s gonna be an all-star blast to salute our guys and gals.
You don’t have to be there, because it is being broadcast on PBS stations beginning at 8 p.m. But tooling around Capitol Hill all day means you’re practically there, right? So grab a spot, lie back and take in this annual tribute to America’s own by America’s own. Mr. Adkins, the National Symphony Orchestra and last American Idol Trent Harmon will perform, among others. (Honestly, Mr. Adkins doesn’t need to sing. He could simply mouth lyrics and the swoons would back him up.)
As for Capitol Hill being the center of attention, well, that’s the way L’Enfant designed the Federal City. Indeed, he characterized it as the “pedestal waiting for a monument.”
A perfect spot to honor our ancestors.
• Deborah Simmons can be reached at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.
• Deborah Simmons can be reached at dsimmons@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.