With Memorial Day upon us, it's important to reflect on the true meaning of the day. It's not just a time for pool parties and barbecues with friends. This May holiday serves as an important recognition of those service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice to our country. Of course, living anywhere around Washington, D.C. gives you plenty of opportunities to visit the monuments built to honor those who fought.
There are numerous memorials downtown -- all with spectacular architecture and quiet significance. To help make the most of this Memorial Day, here are five of the most memorable monuments worth exploring in our nation's capital.
The Jefferson Memorial
Photo credit: Jeff Tinsley
Thomas Jefferson was one of the most important founding fathers. In addition to his many contributions to the foundation of America's democracy, he was a major proponent of a national military academy; in 1802 as President he founded the United States Military Academy at West Point.
In terms of visiting, the Jefferson is somewhat less populated than the other monuments due to its distance from downtown D.C. Located across the Tidal Basin just south of D.C., the Jefferson requires about 15 minutes of walking (or a bike / Uber ride) to reach. Even so, it's definitely worth visiting this grand monument just to appreciate the amazing view you get of D.C. and the Basin!
Location: 701 E Basin Drive, SW
Metro: Smithsonian
The Korean War Memorial
Photo credit: Park Van Ness
The Korean War was one of America's deadliest given its size. 54,246 American service members perished, and over 103,000 were wounded. Its memorial, finished in 1995, poetically conveys just how desperate conditions were in the jungles of Korea.
Located just south of the Lincoln, the Korean War Memorial includes a mural wall, 19 stainless steel soldier statues, a memorial wall dedicated to the United Nations, and a reflecting pool.
Location: South of Lincoln Memorial (23rd St, NW)
Metro: Foggy Bottom - GWU
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial
Photo credit: Tim Evanson
The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial is D.C.'s newest monument. Dedicated in 2014 by President Obama, the structure is dedicated to veterans permanently disabled while serving in the armed forces.
While not as physically imposing as some other D.C. memorials, the AVDL Memorial showcases very modern design characteristics and is an excellent example of Americans continuing to support veterans and those killed in combat.
Location: 150 Washington Ave, SW
Metro: Federal Center SW / L'Enfant Plaza
United States Air Force Memorial
Photo credit: Joseph Gruber
While not located inside the District directly, the Air Force Memorial is an architectural masterpiece worth seeing up close. Dedicated to all of America's Air Force service members, the monument sports three huge stainless steel spires, the tallest of which rises over 270 feet. The spires imitate the Air Force "bomb burst" maneuver, in which three jets quickly fly away from each other in opposing directions.
While not as centrally located, the Air Force Memorial still hosts more than 275,000 visitors every year and is definitely worth the trip to Arlington!
Location: 1 Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington VA 22204
Metro: Pentagon City
The Lincoln Memorial
Photo credit: Park Van Ness
Abraham Lincoln was one of our most important wartime presidents, guiding a divided America through the tumultuous years of the Civil War. In addition to serving in the Illinois Militia himself, Lincoln ensured those killed in the war did not die in vain by quickly working to bring America back together.
So naturally, visiting the huge monument dedicated to him is a must on Memorial Day! The Lincoln is one of the largest memorials in D.C., and makes a great first or last stop on a monument tour to really hammer home the importance of Lincoln's contributions. Just a few hundred yards from the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial makes for a breathtaking photo opp at sunset or dawn.
Location: 23rd St, NW & Constitution Ave
Metro: Foggy Bottom - GWU