Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A National Memorial

This is a section of the 56 pillars, each 17 feet high that helps to comprise the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. Each pillar is inscribed with the name of one of the 48 U.S. states of 1945, as well as the District of Columbia, the Alaska Territory and Territory of Hawaii, the Commonwealth of the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The columns are adorned with two types of wreaths that alternate in their facing. Wreaths of wheat represent the agricultural strength of the nation; while wreaths of Oak represent the industrial dynamism of the nation, supplying not only our own troops but also our friends and allies.
The U.S. Department of Defense has compiled estimated service numbers for 20th-century wars. It is believed that somewhere around 233,985 West Virginian's took part in World War II. One of those brave men was my grandfather.

For more Sepia Scenes click here.

25 comments:

George said...

I haven't been to Washington since the World War II monument was built. I would really like to see it. I like the sepia treatment you've given your pictures.

Anonymous said...

I would so love to see this monument. It looks fantastic. I'd love to see your grandfathers name on it :) Excellent and thanks for sharing this :)

quilly said...

Your history posts always capture my attention. This one especially moved me because you related the memorial not just to the history of the country you love, but to the personal history of your own family.

Patti said...

Beautiful and moving memorial. I hope to see it someday.

That's interesting about the wreaths.

Thanks for visiting me Carletta. Happy Sepia!

maryt/theteach said...

This is incredible, Carletta! I've never seen this memorial. I should make it my business to go and visit. :)

Oh BTW I received your absolutely gorgeous handmade postcard from your home state, West Virginia. You've done a very artistic job - your postcard puts my postcard to shame! :) thanks very much for sharing greetings! Hugs, maryt

maryt/theteach said...

I forgot to say that my father proudly served in WWII just like your grandfather, Carletta! :)

Marice said...

oh! sooo historical and classical! it looks great on sepia!


mine is up too

Annie Jeffries said...

Very dramatic and somber. I had not seen this memorial before.

Carletta - send me your email (mine is in my profile) and I'll send you the original of that sepia photo so you can see how different it is.

Ralph said...

The stark and nearly unadorned pillars are just about right. Simple details allow us to ponder and thing with nothing to detract from our thoughts. That was a large number of Mountaineers to contribute to a just cause. People who lived in that day lived through a tough time, and they never forgot what the fight meant. This is a stark yet fitting memorial...

Day4plus said...

Beautiful memorial. Well done in sepia. Thanks for the meanings too. MB

Janet, said...

that is a pretty memorial, I'm not sure if it was finished when I was there last or not. My dad served at the end of WWII.

Janie B said...

Beautiful tribute, Carletta.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: It is good to remember the past and the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Gattina said...

A very impressive monument !

BTW I have a cat blog, have you never noticed in my profile ? I had one blog at the beginning but then the cats had more and more success so I created a cat blog My cats and funny stories

Unknown said...

May freedom be spread.

JunieRose2005 said...

This is interesting. Thanks so much for sharing.

Junie

kayerj said...

It is a very dramatic monument, an appropriate subject for sepia. Appreciate the information as well. If you want to wander down my road I’m home.

Heidi said...

Very nice post. The sepia tone really adds to the somber feeling in the photos. I love how it is not just in memorial of our fallen but our allies fallen as well. And how personal for you, you should be very proud of your grandfather. But then it sounds like you already know that. Very nice post!
If you'd like to stop by my blog I'm at Cake Crumbs.

karenin said...

This is a great sepia and historic site. Perfect in sepia tone. I have my first sepia over at my page. Have a nice day.

Raven said...

Looks like quite a monument. My father was on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific during WWII. I look forward to the day when we build peace monuments.

Jew Wishes said...

The photos are lovely in sepia, and so fitting for the wonderful memorial, giving it a classic look.

I like the softness of the tones...bringing quietude to the images.

This is one of my favorite places in the Mall.

EG CameraGirl said...

Nicely done in sepia, Carletta. You must be very proud of our grandfather.

Janice Thomson said...

Wow these are both fantastic - you've got the use of sepia down pat.
Because of so many like your grandfather we enjoy our freedom today.

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

My fathers generation.. they are great Americans.. I am very proud of what these men and women did at that time, for our country. God Bless them all!

foto CHIP said...

It looks just right in sepia :)