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Visiting the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC

What is the Korean War Veterans Memorial and where is it? The Korean War Veterans Memorial resides on the National Mall, southeast of the Lincoln Memorial and just south of the Reflecting Pool. All of its components, including its walls, stainless steel statues and Pool of Remembrance, are dedicated to members of the U.S. Armed Forces that served and sacrificed during the Korean War. The memorial is free and open to the public 24 hours a day, with rangers on duty to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Interpretive programs are provided throughout the day and upon request. The most convenient way to reach the Korean War Veterans Memorial is public transportation. The DC Circulator’s National Mall route and Metrobus routes 32, 34 and 36 service the area. The closest Metro stations are Smithsonian and Federal Triangle, on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines (Foggy Bottom is also an option). What will I see at the Korean War Veterans Memorial? The Korean War Veterans Memorial consists of multiple structures that honor those who sacrificed during the three-year conflict (1950-1953) that was the Korean War. The memorial’s mural wall measures 164 feet long and eight inches thick, and from a bird’s eye view, the wall appears as an isosceles triangle, with the tip intersecting a circle over the Pool of Remembrance. Images of troops moving by sea, land and air are sandblasted onto the surface of the wall, while a squadron of 19 stainless steel figures, including members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, are situated in the center of the memorial space. When the 1,000-pound statues are reflected on the granite wall, there appears to be 38 soldiers, which represents the 38th parallel, the dividing line of North and South Korea during the conflict. The Korean War Veterans Memorial also features a United Nations wall, which lists all 22 members of the U.N. that contributed to the war efforts, as well as a granite wall that states “Freedom Is Not Free.” This sentiment reflects the struggle and sacrifice of American soldiers in securing our freedoms when fighting overseas. A visit to the memorial is not complete without a look at the Pool of Remembrance, which has inscriptions that list the number of soldiers killed, wounded, missing in action and held as prisoners during the Korean War. The shallow pool, which is 30 feet in diameter, is surrounded by trees positioned so that the sun beautifully reflects off of the water. Honor a veteran On any given visit, you may encounter former servicemen at the memorial. In fact, the Honor Flight Network is a non-profit dedicated to bringing vets, often elderly, to DC to visit the memorials which honor their service to the nation. These visits are often filled with emotions and help provide closure for veterans by reinforcing the importance of their service and sacrifice.

Visiting the Library of Congress in Washington, DC

What and where is the Library of Congress? The Library of Congress is housed across three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC: the Thomas Jefferson Building (10 1st Street SE), the James Madison Memorial Building (101 Independence Avenue SE) and the John Adams Building (2nd Street SE, between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street). The library houses more than 164 million items, from books to photos to recordings to maps to…much, much more. It also serves as a museum, with numerous exhibits inside the incredible Thomas Jefferson Building. All the Library of Congress’ buildings can be entered free of charge. The Thomas Jefferson Building is open from Monday – Saturday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. The building is closed every Sunday and on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The James Madison Memorial Building and the John Adams Building are primarily used for research – learn more about the Library of Congress’ buildings, including tours and current exhibitions, and check out the hours for reading rooms across the three buildings. The easiest way to reach the Library of Congress is via Metrorail or the DC Circulator’s Union Station-Navy Yard Metro route. The closest Metro stop is Capitol South station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. Simply exit the station using the main exit and walk two blocks north on First Street SE. The Union Station-Navy Yard route stops on First Street, making for a short walk to the Library of Congress’ buildings. What’s inside the Library of Congress? The best visitor experience can be found inside the Library of Congress’ Thomas Jefferson Building. You will be dazzled upon walking in the door of the Jefferson Building. Gilded Age architecture makes its interior a visual masterpiece, a work of art worthy of housing the immense amount of knowledge that it holds. Once you’re done snapping photos for Instagram, it’s time to explore the building’s many exhibits. Currently, seven of the Thomas Jefferson Building’s exhibits are ongoing. Here to Stay: The Legacy of George and Ira Gershwin reveals the lives of the sibling duo and their powerful influence on modern music. The Swann Gallery is a fun dive into political cartoons, comics, animation art and caricatures, while the Herblock Gallery reveals the imaginative work of political cartoonist Herbert L. Block. Thomas Jefferson’s Library is a stunning recreation of the Founding Father’s immense collection of books that founded the Library of Congress. Exploring the Early Americas chronicles Native American culture and their conflict with Europeans. Notably, the exhibit features Martin Waldseemüller’s 1507 map of the world, the first to feature the word “America”. Hope for America: Performers, Politics and Pop Culture focuses on the career of Bob Hope and many other entertainers who have engaged with politics in their work, and how this intersection impacts American society. Mapping a Growing Nation: From Independence to Statehood showcases the first map of the independent U.S. compiled, printed and published in America by an American (his name was Abel Buell). There are also numerous exhibits inside the Jefferson Building that rotate regularly. Make sure to check out all of the current exhibitions at the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress also frequently hosts events and tours – take a look at the events calendar for your planning. The institution also curates the National Book Festival every year, and often hosts an outdoor film festival on its grounds during the summer.

Visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC

Experiencing the Lincoln Memorial The grand Lincoln Memorial towers over the Reflecting Pool, anchoring the western end of the National Mall. The best way to approach the memorial is from the east, by the Washington Monument and the National World War II Memorial. This will put you at the edge of the Reflecting Pool, a shimmering expanse which best illuminates the grand structures honoring our most storied leaders. Take a stroll toward the memorial and watch as it gradually gets larger. When you stand directly in front, gaze at the handsome marble columns surrounded by greenery, part of a design inspired by ancient Greek temples. There are 36 columns, each one representing one state in the U.S. at the date of President Lincoln’s death. The memorial itself is 190 feet long and 119 feet wide, and reaches a height of almost 100 feet. Climb the stairs leading to the interior, and look up. There, etched into the wall, is a memorable quote: "In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Below the quote sits a 19-foot tall, 175-ton statue of President Lincoln, himself looking out over the Mall of the country that he fought so hard to preserve and unite. The statue was designed by Daniel Chester French, who worked to depict Lincoln during the Civil War, stately and dignified. Interestingly, though the memorial was approved decades earlier, construction did not begin until 1914, and the memorial opened to the public in 1922. To the left of the statue is Lincoln’s great speech, the Gettysburg Address, one of the most famous in U.S. history. Every single word of the address is etched into the wall to inspire Americans just as it did in 1863. To the right is the entire Second Inaugural Address, given in March of 1865 — mere months before Lincoln’s death. Lincoln Memorial hours and directions The Lincoln Memorial is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Rangers are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The easiest way to reach the Memorial is by Metrorail or Metrobus. The nearest Metro stations are Foggy Bottom and Smithsonian, both on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. If traveling by Metrobus, take the 32, 34 or 36 routes. Capital Bikeshare also has a dock nearby, on Daniel French Drive SW.

Visiting the Marine Corps War Memorial

The U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial's world-famous statue, which is based on the iconic photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, depicts the six Marines who raised of the second American flag at Iwo Jima in the Japanese Volcano Islands on February 23, 1945, signifying the conclusion of the American campaign in the Pacific during World War II. The memorial is dedicated to “the Marine dead of all wars and their comrades of other services who fell fighting beside them.” The memorial was dedicated on November 10, 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower and the American flag has flown from the statue 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by presidential proclamation ever since. The bronze statue was made by sculptor Felix W. de Weldon. He worked with the three surviving Marines from the battle, Rene A. Gagnon, Ira Hayes and John H. Bradley, to model their faces in clay. The base of the memorial is engraved with every major battle involving the U.S. Marine Corps since 1775. Getting to the Marine Corps War Memorial The Iwo Jima Memorial is located outside of Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington Ridge Park in Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The memorial can be accessed by car via the VA-110 South route or US-50 East or West routes. Parking is available at the memorial. If you take Metro, get off at either the Rosslyn station (Orange, Silver or Blue lines) or Arlington National Cemetery station (Blue Line). It is a 10-15 minute walk from either of these stations. What to do at the Marine Corps Memorial The grounds of the Marine Corps War Memorial are open from 6 a.m. until midnight, year-round. National Park Ranger-led programs can be requested in advance by calling 703-235-1530. During the summer on Tuesday evenings, the U.S. Marine Corps band performs free hour-long drum and bugle concerts called Sunset Parades. During the Sunset Parades, parking is not permitted on the memorial grounds, but visitors may park at Arlington National Cemetery Visitors Center and take a shuttle to the grounds. The view from the Iwo Jima Memorial is also one of the best spots to snap a photo of the iconic panorama of the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol.

Visiting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, DC

Experience the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in 360-degree video On your Phone? Open the 360-degree video in the YouTube app for the best viewing experience. What is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and where is it? The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is situated on a four-acre site along the National Mall's Tidal Basin, adjacent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial and shares a direct line of sight between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials. Its official address is 1964 Independence Avenue SW, in honor of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark legislation in which King played an important role. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most prominent leaders of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, becoming an iconic figure through his incredible speeches and his use of nonviolent resistance. He led the famous March on Washington in 1963, where he gave his legendary “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Opened to the public in 2011, the memorial is the fourth in Washington, DC to honor a non-president and the first to honor a man of color. The site was designed as a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and will forever serve as a monument to the freedom, opportunity and justice for which he stood. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial hours and directions The most convenient way to reach the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is by Metrobus or Metro. The closest Metro stop is Smithsonian, on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. Of course, the memorial is in very close proximity to the other memorials surrounding the Tidal Basin. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There is no fee to visit. National Park Service rangers are on site to answer questions from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Interpretive programs are available throughout the day and upon request. Please make sure to wear a facial covering and maintain a safe social distance when visiting the memorial. What will I see at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial? The centerpiece of the memorial is a 30-foot statue of Dr. King, featuring his likeness carved into the Stone of Hope, which emerges powerfully from two large boulders, known as the Mountain of Despair. Together, they represent soul-stirring words from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Text from this speech is cut sharply into the rock of the Stone: “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Visitors enter through the Mountain of Despair and tour the memorial as if moving through the struggles that Dr. King faced during his life. Visitors end in the open freedom of the plaza. The solitary Stone of Hope stands proudly, depicting the civil rights leader gazing over the Tidal Basin towards the horizon, forever encouraging all citizens to strive for justice and equality. Surrounding the statue of Dr. King is a 450-foot long Inscription Wall, which features 14 quotes from King’s speeches, sermons and writings. Inscriptions were chosen by a special “Council of Historians,” which included Maya Angelou and Henry Louis Gates. Quotes were chosen with Dr. King’s four main principles in mind: justice, democracy, hope and love.

Visiting the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC

What and where is the Museum of the Bible? As soon as you enter the Museum of the Bible through its 40-foot bronze doors, its majesty is undeniable. The grand lobby is long and awe-inspiring, with a digital display on the ceiling that rotates through colorful designs throughout the day. Upon your opening stroll, you will immediately be aware that you have entered a museum like no other in the nation’s capital. The Museum of the Bible’s goal is to educate the public on the history of the Bible, its many narrative forms and its impact on societies around the world. The 430,000-square-foot museum is a wonder of design and architecture, the combined work of seven design firms. The building is located at 400 4th Street SW, a short walk from the Federal Center SW Metro station on the Orange, Blue and Silver lines. The museum's hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily, with 9 a.m. early entry for museum members and groups every day except Sunday. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Admission to the Museum of the Bible is $24.99 for adults, $14.99 for kids and free for children four years old and under. Discounts are also offered for online purchases, senior citizens and groups. You can purchase timed entry tickets and make group reservations on the museum's website. What’s inside the Museum of the Bible? After you journey through the visual sensation that is the museum’s lobby, you can walk up marble stairs or take an elevator to any of the exhibit floors. We recommend starting at the History of the Bible galleries, which begin on the fourth floor. Elevator riders are in for a treat: inside, a video screen rotates its images as you ride up, with music playing to set the mood for your exploration. The History of the Bible includes more than 600 artifacts inside its 11 galleries. Numerous media programs let you dig even deeper, including films and interactive touch tables. Discover the development of the Bible, from its use among small groups of people to its translation into hundreds of languages around the world. Find out how the text has been translated and shared, its influence on the Renaissance, the rise of the King James version and more. The space also features a 75-seat theater, where you can watch TV personality Dave Stotts go on a history-seeking adventure. Head down one floor and you will find the Stories of the Bible section, which is divided into three areas: The Hebrew Bible, The New Testament and The World of Jesus of Nazareth. The first of the three is a 14,000-square-foot deep dive into the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, featuring settings inspired by art using high-tech visuals. Guests will be immersed in the stories of Biblical figures like Noah, Abraham and David. The New Testament features interactive posters of key characters that reveal their stories, as well as a theater experience in a 124-seat venue. Inside, a 210-degree panoramic screen plays a 12-minute video featuring tales told by figures that interacted with Jesus in the New Testament. The World of Jesus of Nazareth is just that: a recreation of Jesus’ time, from the religious controversy that pre-dated him to Roman Rule to a courtyard, complete with a live, costumed docent and recreations of numerous aspects of a Nazarene village, including a synagogue. On the second floor, you can fully explore the Impact of the Bible. The Bible in the World section uses 23 exhibits to show the undeniable impact that the book has had on cultures and countries all over the world. This includes art, architecture, fashion, family and more. Bible in America showcases a 254-foot-long tapestry with striking illustrations that highlight the book’s influence on this country since its beginnings. Bible Now has curving screens and interactive tables used to let guests share the impact of the Bible on their lives, as well as provide insight into how the Bible influences our world every day. Finally, Washington Revelations use virtual reality technology to reveal where the Bible can be observed throughout the nation’s capital. Your Museum of the Bible experience can continue well beyond the exhibits. The fifth floor features a 500-seat performance theater with mapping technology to enhance what is taking place onstage, as well as outstanding acoustics. The sixth floor contains Manna, which offers a menu inspired by Israeli cuisine from chef Todd Gray, co-founder of the acclaimed Equinox Restaurant. Manna is adjoined by a scenic Biblical Garden that can accompany seated and standing parties. There’s also Milk and Honey Cafe on the first floor, where you can grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee. Lastly, there’s the Courageous Pages area for children, where adults can take a break and kids can play Bible-themed games.