The Significance Of The Lincoln Memorial

When designing the monument, it is believed that Herman A, MacNeil had the intention of showing how strong those in the confederacy were, and that they would protect the confederacy as a whole during any issues that could arise. When looking at the statue, the first thing noticed is the semi- unclothed man with a shield and sword at the very front, and I feel that the designer placed him in that position to show that the confederacy at the time of the Civil War was extremely powerful. There is also a lady standing behind the man, presumably the mans wife, and she was placed there to

From Trajan’s Column, completed in 113 AD, to the statue of Christopher Columbus in Easton, Pennsylvania, monuments and memorials have been a significant element of celebration and honor throughout history (Source B). Though monuments are typically meant as a symbol of honor, recent controversy over statues dedicated to Confederate leaders and generals has sparked the debate over how to choose subjects to memorialize, and the actual development of these memorials. When considering what or who to honor, one must also consider the subjects impact on history, ensuring that it is positive. In creating memorials and monuments, groups and agencies should examine the historical significance of the events or persons they wish to memorialize, and the

There are many monuments in the world and they are all built to honor someone or something that was done by that person. For example, after the Maine Lobsterman was built, the fake bronze statue returned to Maine and spent several decades being moved from city hall to museum to museum. No one seemed to want the man and his lobster. The issue at hand is if the monuments being built are memorializing the person or moment created accurately. Monuments capture legacy and preserve the individual's actions throughout history. Specifically, monuments should consider purpose, location, and size in their creation.

Memorializing is often the way to remember a very important, intelligent, or rich person who lives above the rest of us. When we memorialize it sets a way to remember someone long after they have passed from life. More often than not those we put in statues and remember are those who change the world for the better or discover something new like Christopher Columbus, and his statue in Riverside Park (Deegan, Jim, source B). Lincoln's memorial isn’t where or had any importance to Lincoln, but it succeeds his most infamous speech he ever had “The Gettysburg Address” (Savage, source A). H. Elroy Johnson a famous lobster trapper, had a statue made but never finished during his lifetime, not until after his death, was the real statue made to memorialize him (Roadside America, source f).

"For famous men have the whole earth as their memorial" (Pericles). Memorials are an icon to represent some historical events that have happened or even people who have made a significant impact on society. For example, they symbolize many things that had happened in the past and people could go there and remember some good things that it has caused. People can even go there and pay tribute to the person the memorial is about. There are three sources that show the importance of memorials and why they should be built.

These memorials are in memory of the fallen soldiers and sometimes the soldiers that made it out alive.

The iconic monuments on Monument Avenue are at the center of a debate that is spreading across the entire southern part of the United States. Support has been growing within a group that feels that these Confederate monuments represent hate and oppression. This group wants all of the monuments

Monuments, are how we as people can relive the past and be able to put ourselves at that time period. For Americans the 9/11 memorial puts us in the gravity and it gives us the impact of what that disaster did but, it also shows a sense of beauty with how the water falls into the spot where once stood a tall and powerful building. Monuments, have the aura that has a sense of empathy and shows more emotion than words ever could, the Holocaust museum gives a solid reminder of what genocide really is. Monuments and memorials should be based on the size location and what it is actually standing for it should be for someone who has been influential or it should be something of war or tragedy. We as Americans don’t pay attention to local cemeteries but when they see the Arlington cemetery or Vietnam memorial or even the WWII memorial people understand what death is really like and are more appreciative of those people who fought for the United States. Monuments and Memorials are not to remember those who fought for slavery, who have committed genocide, or any acts of treason and terrorism there should be no reason to make a statue that symbolizes something that a culture and a nation does not stand for anymore. Therefore, a Monument should consider the location, size, and why the monument is built along with the emotional aura that goes along with it.

As shown above, the presence of these monuments is not beneficial towards the people. As stated in the preceding paragraphs, monuments are not for the dead but for the living; so, honoring them will do no good to those who died but have an effect on the people still alive. These monuments all have stories to tell and those stories are apart of our past - a past we no longer claim. Honoring these statues emphasizes that black lives do not matter and that racism is still present till this

The size of a monument or museum is important to think about because you must ensure that the person or event you are memorializing receives the recognition it deserves. After it was decided that there needs to be a Holocaust museum on the Washington Mall, protesters stated that the proposed design was too large (Source E). “The purpose of the museum was to remember the Holocaust, not overpower the mall or its visitors” (Source E). By downsizing the design plan, curators were able to create a place of regard without overpowering the other memorials and museums. The materials used to construct a monument also play a role in ensuring a person or event receive the respect they/ it deserves. When designing the Vietnam Veterans memorial in Washington, D.C, Maya Lin decided to use “Black granite in order to make the surface reflective and peaceful” (Source G). Lin’s choice of black granite helped to create a somber feeling while still showing respect and remembrance to those who fought in the war. The size and material of a monument can have a huge impact on those paying their respects to a person or event and the way they recieve its

Monuments are a way you can immortalize a person. There are many ways to create monuments such as writing a book, Speeches, even sculpting. Many factors play into creating a monument of a person. When honoring a person you have to look at the location, size, and material and the significance of the monument.

The location of a monument is an important factor that should be considered when building the monument. Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., said that “The two walls were positioned so that one pointed to the Lincoln Memorial and the other pointed to the Washington Monument” (Lin). The two walls essentially link the two symbols for the county to create unity between the past and present (Lin). By specifically

The first factor that should be considered when building a monument, is the reason for the monument to be built. As stated before, there are some monuments that were built for a good reasons, others for horrific events. Though there are too many good memorializations to mention, the amount of bad memorializations are fewer. An example of one of those monuments is the Savannah Memorial Park from Source D. Graveyards are good places to have, because you can have a nice place to go visit those who are no longer with you. However, it is a memorial that was built for a very sad reason. Many people have died in order to make this a memorial, and there will be many more to come.

Monuments are used to memorialize and honor moments, individuals and events of the past. Some monuments do this better than other monuments. In creating a monument there are three essential factors a group or agency should consider to make the monument as effective as possible: location, design features, purpose and backstory. Why these factors? Location and design factors play a massive role in the reception the monument will receive, based on its environment, size and looks a monument will be perceived differently. The purpose and backstory are the two single most important factors to consider in creating a monument. The monuments history, its reason, is the reason just? Is the purpose proper? Does it accurately memorialize the subject? All these questions come with the purpose and backstory of a monument.