Robert M. Edsel's Monuments Men

World War II-one of the most devastating events in history that will always be remembered whether by textbooks, personal accounts, or merely just stories about how one man could have done the impossible: conquered the world. As students today and future generations learn about the War, they are exposed to the battles, leaders, political parties, heroes, and turmoil of this period; however, important events that often were overshadowed are slowly becoming forgotten and neglected. Robert Edsel, in his book The Monuments Men, tells the story of the “greatest treasure hunt in history” and the race to sa

To start with, mMemorial museums collections are “defined by what the violence in each event produced.” As Williams writes, “memorial museums must decide how to incorporate and frame the output that the calamity generated, knowing it will come to symbolize the event” (Williams, Memorial museums, 221). Like the worldwide Holocaust museums are correlated with the “industrial machines that effected the disappearance of bodies (such as boxcars, gas chambers and ovens) and terrible “ ’by-products,’ clothing, jewelry, eyeglasses watches and victims’ diaries”, [Williams, 221] the 9/11 Memorial Museum does have emblematic objects to clarify how people responded and buildings damaged during the attacks. What is the particular

The purpose of many monuments is to honor and protect the legacy of some of America's greatest heroes. Kirk Savage in the book Monument

Monuments are a way of remembering the past and either honoring or celebrating a person or event. Monuments can teach people and help to preserve a memory or spread awareness. Furthermore, when a group or agency wants to memorialize an event or person and create a monument there are factors it should consider, such as the location, the monument itself and the significance.

The monument that stand in my hometown is the soldiers and sailor monuments as tribute to the men in the Civil War from Athens, Ohio. The monument was built in 1963 for the 2,610 men who served for the Union from Athens County. The men went into battle for the defense of the Union. A lot of these men served in the 18th Ohio infantry. The veterans of the Civil War along with resident General Grosvenor set out to find funding for the monument. There were a lot of troubles in the beginning. The monument had failed to be erected previously because of placement issues. Where the monument stand now is in middle of Ohio University, and one of the question that arises when finding a proper place for the monument was is the University capable of maintaining this monument and whether or not it was a good location. Grosvenor led other residents from Athens to create the Athens Monument Association to fund the monument. And so the monument was then erected in 1963.

People can honor a historical figure or event in various ways, such as a film or museum. People may also memorialize events or people with a monument. Monuments help remember great moments of achievement and they pay homage to deep sacrifice. When creating a monument to commemorate a person or event, a group or agency should consider the factors of location, size, and material.

What does one’s mind automatically point to when the words ‘World War II’ are uttered? Mass destruction is one of the first things that comes to mind, the spread of hatred and complete cities in ruins is another point of reference. However, who and what survived the war is often forgotten and merely mentioned at the fore front of discussions. Robert M. Edsel’s The Monuments Men tells the story of nine men and one woman who set out to preserve and rescue works of art that had been taken by the Nazi regime throughout Europe. Without the brave and rigorous work of these characters, thousands of items would have been lost at the hands of Hitler’s men. Despite the large number of characters, the author uses in his narrative, there is limited confusion

What makes this film historically significant is that these heroes inspired people back home to support the war efforts and they inspired monuments in their honor. They were a symbol across the nation and still is. It’s made the Marine Corps look more honorable and prestigious. But what makes it more historically significant is that the battle of Iwo Jima stopped the Japanese from

Some may minimalize these men’s death because they did not die in the glory of battle, but history shows that men are remembered by what they lived for than what they died by. Should these men not be remembered and honored amongst other soldiers killed in battle, after everything they have sacrificed? We, during our long day, will take a few pauses to remember the values and work of the past heroes these men have exemplified. Many may remember the question and comment of

Monument most people love them (not extremist) we find monument important to our U.S history because they came here to leave a mark a legacy. When other countries and people from other states come to travel and stop at monuments and historic landmark is bringing us together as we know it. Like the bringing in paris where you put a lock on there for (to lock your love) .so it does bring countries together and

These retreats of everyday pleasures lead people to value art less and this mindset was left, even after the great depression had ended. The 1930’s set the stage with a feeling of fear, with world events like the Great Terror in the Soviet Union and the beginning of World War Two. The American people were not concerned with art or the effect it could potentially have. Later in the 1940’s people were concerned with World War Two and the impact it was having on the world.

Based on the true story, The Monuments Men were a group tasked with going into Germany to rescue culturally prominent art, buildings and monuments from Nazi thieves. With no military training and a passion for historical artifacts, a group of seven men risked their lives to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of human achievements.

They thought this would be too offensive to World War II veterans.7 If we as Americans would just look further, beyond the picture-perfect ending to the war that we imagine in our minds, we might see the dehumanizing events that we ultimately caused the Japanese. Since we went about building the museum as a way of commemorating this event as a heroic war, the question is, what could we have made known with a serious look at the end of World War II.8

Monuments placed in public spaces such as parks and museums give people the ability to be transported to the past, able to witness and experience events that have had large effects on the course of history. In the creation of a memorial or monument, a variety of factors and options must be taken into account in order for the monument to achieve its intended purpose. One must determine whether the monument is placed in a desirable location, is historically accurate, is aesthetically pleasing, and – perhaps most importantly- is able to successfully convey its intended meaning. These factors, and many more, play large roles in defining the success or failure of a memorial. Every memorial’s intended purpose is to have a lasting impact on those who visit it and to draw the viewer’s attention to a particular person, historical period, or event.

Regardless of how the public view works of art, it is important to recognize that while these works may be considered beautiful and highly regarded, many of them are created from false premises, hyperboles, or are simply metaphors for information. The truth that society derives from art may or may not follow conventional rules. In fact, the messages that are sent through these artworks may ignore conventional rules such as structure, but that should not necessarily take away from the value we place upon the work as a whole. Instead, we should carefully examine the artwork, observing the connotative sentiments the artwork is projecting to society. Highly regarded creators of art will