Thinking About History Thursday

May 30, 1922- Lincoln Memorial is dedicated

It may not dominate the skyline like the Washington Monument, but the Lincoln Memorial is indeed the most picturesque building along the National Mall in Washington D.C. Though impressive, the Washington Monument lacks a certain aesthetic quality, while the Lincoln Memorial exhibits a classical beauty and sense of style that reflects the nobility of the cause Lincoln led during the American Civil War. Each of the 36 Doric columns (one for each state in the union in 1865) stands as a sentinel guarding the man who so firmly and eloquently defended the principles on which the nation was founded. This American Parthenon reflects the legacy of self-government as it originated in Ancient Greece and Rome.

Walking the steps of the Lincoln Memorial is like walking a trail in a dense forest, anticipation builds in the soul with each step. But then the darkness gives away to an inspirational view--Lincoln sitting majestically in an armchair carved from Georigia Marble. Inscriptions from the Gettysburg Address and 2nd Inaugural Address are to his left and right. Observers are reminded of the simple truths expoused by Lincoln.

"...government of the people, by the people, for the people,

shall not perish from the earth."

"With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right,

let us strive on to finish the work we are in..."

The statue of Lincoln dominates the interior. The seriousness of the task he was thrust into is etched on his face. The strength and resolve with which he pursued the task is evident in his posture, sitting upright, arms and hands firmly gripping the arms of a throne of freedom. But he is alone. Though surrounded by advisors, his was a mentally and emotionally lonely task. The sacrifices associated with the war affected Lincoln greatly. To Ms. Bixby of Boston, "...you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine...But, I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save."

 

Ninety-one years ago today the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated and opened to the public. Lincoln's oldest son, Robert, was there representing the Lincoln family. William Howard Taft was the keynote speaker. As President, Taft had signed the original Congessional bill calling for the building of a memorial, and he led the commission tasked with this after he lost the 1912 election. Taft continued to serve the country as a justice on the Supreme Court and was Chief Justice when he led the dedication ceremony in 1922, formally turning the memorial over to President Harding and the federal government.

There are many things to see when visiting Washington D.C. but a stop at the Lincoln Memorial is a must. In my limited travels, there have been just a few places that bring out a sense of history, reverance, and appreciation for America. Some of those include Arlington National Cemetary, The JFK Library and Museum, the Arizona Memorial, and, of course, the Lincoln Memeorial.

"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there

shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created equal and free."

 

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