Washington Square Monument

Last night I took a stroll. Originally, I set out for Old City and to take some night shots of drunken bar goers. But for some reason, I changed my course and headed to Washington Square. As I got closer, I think my mind subconsciously wanted me to head there to pay my respects to the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for this country on this Memorial Day at a time of war. For reasons that I agree with or not, it doesn't matter.

I lived in DC for three years, but never made it to Arlington National Cemetary. I'm not very fond of cemetaries. I'm not very fond of death. I avoid cemetaries if I can.

I stood before the statue of Washington and wondered what it was like 200+ years ago. I wonder now what it was like with no dependence on foreign oil... But let me stop myself before I go on a political rant, today is not the day for that.

I feel for the families who have lost. I feel for the soldiers who survived. I feel for the families of those whom these soldiers killed.

It's a nice monument. I'm told that there are thousands of soldiers buried underneath that square. One thing that I've never figured out is why that eternal flams is never lit. If you're in the neighborhood of Spruce/7^th Sts, take a sec and walk through this gorgeous, quiet park.

Comments

[howard]

That's a really nice tribute Albert

[acm]

It used to be lit all the time, but was put out (I presumed temporarily) when they tore up the park 3 or 4 years ago to relay the flagstones, add the hokey tourist signs, and spruce the place up. Somebody told me there was a reason why it hadn't been relit (funding? saftey? hmmm), but I can't recall.

Anyway, the best thing to me is something you didn't mention: the lines written over George's head, which bring it all home for me.

Freedom is a light for which many have died in darkness.

indeed.

[albert]

good point. it was too dark to be able to read the text. thanks for sharing that.