An Aura of Washington, DC Monuments

“Oh it’s going to be sooo boring”, an honest introspection on the news of visiting famous DC Monuments during our orientation week at Atlas Corps. My inner voice resonated, “Don’t worry, you will be with a bunch of crazy fellows”. As a matter of fact, that was the reason enough to excite me for the visit. Thus, rattling through the streets of Washington, DC, we landed right in front of the POTUS abode – The White House. I am unable to recall much of the insight given to us on the various sections of the House. The only thing that I remember is my scream which came out when the security got infuriated on the insouciance of a few fellows and visitors around. Honestly, I was scared to death and correspondingly believed that my doom sealed for the day. Fortunately, nothing happened 🙂 and we swiftly headed towards our next stop.

From the White House, we walked towards the world’s tallest obelisk structure of today. It has a pyramid perched on top which is made out of the most expensive and rare metal of its time. The structure was built to commemorate George Washington and therefore named The Washington Monument. There is something unusual about the structure and that is because of the construction halt during American Civil War besides many other reasons. My class coupled with previous fellows already know about the metal and unusual bit of the monument. For all others; please  search, visit and explore yourself!

Class 31, then, marched towards World War II Memorial. It was built to honor all those who served during the World War II. The memorial is aesthetically designed with a fountain – the Rainbow Pool – encircled by fifty-six pillars representing states or territories tied together through a rope. The entire structure inclusive of all inscriptions and the two victory pavilions exhibits the bond of nation during the time of adversity like World War II and hereafter.

From one war memorial, we glided into the most alive yet somber and controversial memorial, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial garnered controversies from the very beginning probably because it is designed by a FEMALE ASIAN designer. To say the least, the memorial is literally a BLACK WALL with engraving of names of all those who either sacrificed their lives or went missing during the longest war in U.S history. Some of the controversies particularly relating to opulence factor and injustice to women partakers were appeased by erecting the statues of Three Servicemen and the Nursing Women. Honestly, for me, it was one of the most thoughtful memorial.

Finally, we headed towards Parthenon inspired The Abraham Lincoln Memorial, built to honor the 16th President of the United States of America. I was awestruck, not because of the grandeur, but because, I had to take a zillion ascending steps. But it was worth all the effort. It was mesmerizing to witness the reflection of Washington Monument from the top platform of the memorial and when stepped inside, the giganticness of the Lincoln statue just swayed me away. The memorial has 36 columns and each column represent a state; hmm, why only 36 columns? (search & share) Inside the chamber, there is an Inaugural and Gettysburg address scripted on the north and south walls whereas a large Lincoln statue sits in the middle like Zeus in Greek temple. The aura of this monument is beyond words and maybe for this reason, our monument tour concluded at this magnanimous President’s memorial.

Consequently, with the conclusion of our official tour, the super euphoric and enthusiastic fellow group rushed into their dens. Flabbergasted by the splendor, I really wanted to explore further. Thankfully instantly found a partner in crime and the two birds flocked together on an exploration spree. We walked all across the National Mall and Memorial Park and covered as many of the DC monuments as we can. I am happy to quote that we visited almost all. I can write more about our exploration adventure but I’d prefer to release the readers from the agony of boredom. 🙂 The folio will give you a glimpse of visited DC monuments and memorials. Just a little sneak peek though, Martin Luther King Jr., Jefferson and Roosevelt memorials were beautiful particularly the illumination, story board and water falls. A must-see for all DC visitors!

Lastly, final word for readers! National Mall and Memorial Park is an amazing place to explore; just be prepared for a huge walk if you don’t want to leave a dent in your pocket. Furthermore, all sorts of ride options are available if you are willing to loosen up your pockets a bit. Also, try visiting the park during the day as well as at night because the illumination at DC monuments is spellbinding. So, what are you waiting for? Make a travel plan for Washington, DC and cross off must-see places from your bucket list. For our upcoming Atlas Corps fellows, no worries! you will certainly be visiting the place as Atlas Corps does not believe in breaking traditions 😉