The number of monuments, memorials and museums in Washington DC, is astounding. It can also be overwhelming as you try to decide on the places you want to visit. We took my son on a trip to the nation’s capital earlier this year, and he listed off the five memorials he felt everyone should see when visiting Washington DC.

In no particular order, here at 5 must-see memorials in Washington DC.

The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is is divided into three rooms inside: Two side chambers and the main entrance with the 19′ tall statue of Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president. Inscribed on the wall behind the statue is the following:

IN THIS TEMPLE
AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE
FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION
THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

Each of the side rooms in the monument features text from from two of Lincoln’s most famous speeches: The Gettysburg Address and his second Inaugural Address. In the north chamber, you’ll also find a little gift shop. Stop in and pick up a book or other souvenir the commemorate your visit to one of Washington DC’s most visited memorials.

Getting to the Lincoln Memorial is simple, especially since it’s right near a bunch of other memorials, monuments and museums. It’s located on the west end of the National Mall.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Heading east from the Lincoln Memorial, on the north side of the large reflecting pool, you’ll find the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The memorial honors those of the U.S. Armed Forces who fought in the Vietnam war. The war began in 1955 and lasted 19 years. The sheer number of names on the wall is humbling.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is made up of two wall, each 246 feet 9 inches long. The polished black granite is reflective, allowing you to see your own reflection as you read the names etched into the wall. Where the two walls converge, it stands 10 feet high. The height tapers down to a mere 8 inches on the extremities. There is a book in each end of the wall to help visitors locate names listed on the wall.

There are more than 58,000 names listed on the wall, eight of which are women. The names are those who were declared dead or Missing in Action (MIA) and are listed in chronological order from the start of the war in 1955 till its end in 1975.

Just south of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the Vietnam Women’s Memorial. It’s a statue honoring the women, who were mostly nurses, who served in the Vietnam War and serves as a reminder of the important role women played in the conflict.

The World War II Memorial

I love learning about World War II, specifically on the European front. My grandpa was a B-24 bomber co-pilot during WWII. His plane was shot down during his 10th combat mission. He spent 11 months in a POW camp, trekking across Europe in the winter as Allied Forces pushed their way in on both sides. My grandpa was liberated in May 1945 and returned home to Utah.

But many Americans never returned home. The World War II Memorial is a tribute to all those who fought in the war. Surrounding a center fountain are large stone blocks bearing the names of the states and territories of the places where the military forces were from. Each stone block also has a metal wreath mounted near the top.

The memorial is a great place to reflect on ancestors or others who fought in the war in order to protect the freedoms we enjoy today. You can wander around the memorial and read various inscriptions and facts about the war.

The World War II Memorial is east of the Lincoln Memorial and the reflecting pool. It’s just west of the Washington Monument – the tall obelisk due south of the White House.

The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

My favorite memorial in Washington DC is the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. FDR served four terms as the 32nd president of the United States of America (1933-1945). As president, he led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. It’s a fascinating time to study, and the FDR Memorial is a humbling reminder of the challenges and perseverance of the American people, lead by FDR.

The FDR Memorial is divided into four outdoor rooms – one for each of FDR’s four terms as president. It’s located on the southwest side of the Tidal Basin, between the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Chronologically, you’d want to start from the Jefferson Memorial side and work your way through the FDR Memorial.

THE TEST OF OUR PROGRESS IS NOT WHETHER WE ADD MORE TO THE ABUNDANCE OF THOSE WHO HAVE MUCH, IT IS WHETHER WE PROVIDE ENOUGH FOR THOSE WHO HAVE TOO LITTLE

Pause your journey at one of the waterfalls to sit and reflect on the life of a leader who brought the country through the Great Depression. Read and reflect on the quotes etched into the stones throughout the memorial, each one impactful in its own way.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

If you’re looking for inspiring quotes, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial is one you must visit. It’s located along the Tidal Basin, just north of the FDR Memorial and south of the National Mall.

Etched into long stone walls are 14 quotes from many of his speeches, sermons and writings. At the center of the memorial you’ll find a large stone mountain with the center peak of the mountain pulled forward. That center stone has Martin Luther King, Jr. carved into it, with a quote from his “I Have a Dream” speech given in 1963:

OUT OF THE MOUNTAIN OF DESPAIR, A STONE OF HOPE

Much like the FDR Memorial, take your time to read the quotes and talk with your kids about them. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial will inspire you to see others as equals, regardless of race, gender, skin color, etc.

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