Claim

The District of Columbia represents the nation as the capital of the United States and the epitome of excellence and cultural diversity. The inhabitants of the District are rich in culture and traditions that embody the historic landmarks and figures that are found in the capital today. The landmarks and monuments tell a story about life in D.C. before and after significant events that altered the nation forever. Furthermore, they establish the "hidden voices" and perspectives of an individual or group of people that are left out society. Not only do these landmarks amplify the voice of the past but it also develops the minds of the future.

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial

The National Law Enforcement Memorial at Judiciary Square honors more than 21,000 law enforcement officers that died in service throughout U.S. history. The memorial features statues of an adult lion and cubs which symbolizes the strength of the fallen law enforcement officers who died while protecting and serving the country. In addition, the memorial also includes two walls with carved in names. The carving in names represents the officers who died in the line of duty. Furthermore, these walls symbolize the strength and resilience of America.

United States Department of Treasury

The United States Department of Treasury is the executive bureau responsible for protecting the financial security and promoting the standards that enable economic growth and stability. The Department is well known for advising the President about economics, encouraging economic growth, and helping other financial institutions. The department strengthens national security by disabling threats and promoting the ethics of the financial system. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury mission the department states that, "the Treasury operates and maintains systems that are critical to the nation's financial infrastructure, such as the production of coin and currency, the disbursement of payments to the American public, revenue collection, and the borrowing of funds necessary to run the federal government.."

Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the nation's oldest and largest library in the world, with millions of books, photographs, newspapers, and much more in its collection. As the nation's oldest federal institution, it serves the United States Congress for research. In addition, visitors can visit the library and special exhibitions from the Libary's collection. The Library preserves and provides access to a diverse source of knowledge. As a result, visitors to the library gain more knowledge.and social awareness.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a national park located in Capitol Hill that features monuments of the nation's most powerful leaders. President Lincoln and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune both have monuments that represent a time period when slavery was legal and finally abolished. The Lincoln memorial statue features him holding the Emancipation Proclamation before a kneeling black man. Across the park, Mrs. Bethune statue features her handing a copy of her legacy to two young black children. Both of these statues symbolize the sacrifices that Lincoln and Mrs. Bethune made to uplift African Americans.

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr was an African American Baptist minister and Civil Rights activist that rose to prominence during the 1950's until his assassination in 1968. King is best known for his non-violence and civil obedience approach for the civil rights movement.In addition, his notable, " I Have a Dream" delivered during the March on Washington on August 23, 1963, where King delivered his speech about a world without racism and prejudice. The remarkable speech provided Africans Americans that were not included in society to feel empowered to voice their opinions on racial inequalities.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a U.S. National memorial located on Henry Bacon Drive. The memorial honors veterans who served and lost their lives in the Vietnam War. The memorial includes the names of over 58,000 men and women who sacrificed their lives in the war. In addition, the memorial incorporates Vietnam Women's memorial and the Three Servicemen Statue. The bravery and the voices of the war are now respected and represented forever.