| When visiting Washington DC, one must-see | | | | component in all the areas of the memorial, and in its |
| destination is the FDR Memorial. Franklin Delano | | | | many forms is representative of events ranging from |
| Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, is | | | | World War II to Roosevelt's death. |
| an icon of hope and optimism, and greatly impacted | | | | Due to the fact that FDR suffered disability from polio, |
| the course of this country in the 20th century. The | | | | the design of the memorial takes into account the |
| memorial is located in the Tidal Basin area of | | | | needs of those with disabilities, and even goes as far |
| Washington DC nestled amongst the famous cherry | | | | as having Braille etched on the walls. There was much |
| trees. | | | | controversy initially about precisely how to include |
| The FDR Memorial, dedicated in 1997, is a tribute not | | | | reference to FDR's use of a wheelchair, as it was not |
| just to an incredible man but also his accomplishments | | | | something that was widely publicized in his life. The |
| and everything he has come to represent in the idea | | | | debate centered mostly on the portrayal of disability in |
| of perseverance. FDR is the only American president | | | | general, and if it should be emphasized that he was a |
| to spend twelve years in office so the design of the | | | | hero due to the fact that he achieved so much while |
| memorial consists of four separate rooms, one for | | | | living with a disability. There were arguments for either |
| each four year term. His inspiring words are etched | | | | side, but in the end it was decided to depict him as the |
| upon the walls of each room, 21 quotes in all. | | | | public would have seen him, his wheelchair somewhat |
| Statues contained within the rooms are representative | | | | obscured, and also to show him at the entrance of the |
| of various things that have become, in essence, the | | | | memorial clearly seated in a wheelchair. |
| signatures of FDR and all he dealt with as a public | | | | This memorial differs from other presidential memorials, |
| servant to the American people. Each sculpture was | | | | in that it does not have one focal point statue, and also |
| inspired by a photograph, and includes reference to the | | | | that it covers a more expansive area of ground. The |
| famous fireside chats, scenes from the Great | | | | memorial stands as a reminder of the difficulties that |
| Depression and also a bronze statue of First Lady | | | | Americans survived with FDR leading the way in |
| Eleanor Roosevelt, an honor not given to a first lady | | | | encouragement, hope and perseverance. If you're |
| until now. | | | | visiting Washington DC then absolutely make time to |
| The symbolic nature of many things contains in the | | | | visit the FDR Memorial. It's worth remembering the |
| memorial is noteworthy. Water is a widespread | | | | man and all he represents. |