The FDR Memorial

One must see destination when you are vacationing in Washington DC is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. FDR has long been a symbol of optimistic spirit in the midst of adversity and his many contributions deeply affected America’s course in the 20^th century. Situated along the beautiful, cherry tree lined Tidal Basin area of DC, the FDR Memorial is open for everyone to learn and appreciate all that FDR represents in strength, overcoming and perseverance in accomplishments.

The FDR Memorial was dedicated by President Bill Clinton in 1997, and has been visited by thousands upon thousands of people since. The design of the memorial is symbolic of the fact that FDR is the only American president to spend four terms, or twelve years, in that office so there are four rooms to reflect each term. Some of his most famous and inspiring quotes are inscribed upon the walls of each room. For example, in room one, visitors will see, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," from FDR’s first Inaugural Address in 1933.

Presidential memorials have one focal-point statue, such as the Jefferson Memorial; however, this memorial differs because it contains a number of statues placed throughout the rooms. The statues symbolize various things that have, over time, become associated with what FDR faced and achieved as president. Archival photographs are the inspiration for each statue, and depictions include the ration lines from the Great Depression and the famous fireside chats. For the first time ever a First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt specifically, is given the honor of being included in a presidential memorial. Her bronze statue is seen next to the United Nations symbol.

At the time of his presidency, it was not common knowledge that he was disabled from polio and used a wheelchair so there was a great amount of controversy in deciding how to portray this fact within the memorial. In the end, this was depicted in two ways. One statue shows him as the people during his presidency would have seen him, with the wheelchair discreetly covered, and in another area of the memorial he is shown very clearly seated in his wheelchair.

There many things in the FDR Memorial that are symbolic in nature and rich with meaning. Water is a common theme woven through the entire memorial, but varying in each area to represent different aspects of FDR. In one area there is a dramatic waterfall representative of WWII and in another area visitors can see a still pool of water to symbolize the death of FDR.

The mid 20^th century was a time of great difficulty for not just Americans, but also the world. Franklin Delano Roosevelt answered the call to serve and in his years in office he became an enduring symbol of perseverance, encouragement and hope for all generations. The FDR Memorial is a must see stop when you visit DC.