|
Posted on 05/29/2004 12:02:43 AM PDT by snippy_about_it
|
|
 are acknowledged, affirmed and commemorated.
|
| Our Mission: The FReeper Foxhole is dedicated to Veterans of our Nation's military forces and to others who are affected in their relationships with Veterans. In the FReeper Foxhole, Veterans or their family members should feel free to address their specific circumstances or whatever issues concern them in an atmosphere of peace, understanding, brotherhood and support. The FReeper Foxhole hopes to share with it's readers an open forum where we can learn about and discuss military history, military news and other topics of concern or interest to our readers be they Veteran's, Current Duty or anyone interested in what we have to offer. If the Foxhole makes someone appreciate, even a little, what others have sacrificed for us, then it has accomplished one of it's missions. We hope the Foxhole in some small way helps us to remember and honor those who came before us.
|
 Washington, D.C. National Mall  The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort from home. Symbolic of the defining event of the 20th Century, the memorial is a monument to the spirit, sacrifice, and commitment of the American people to the common defense of the nation and to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. It will inspire future generations of Americans, deepening their appreciation of what the World War II generation accomplished in securing freedom and democracy. Above all, the memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when a free people are at once united and bonded together in a common and just cause.  The National World War II Memorial design recognizes that the site itself pays special tribute to America's WWII generation. The memorial design creates a special place within the vast openness of the National Mall to commemorate the sacrifice and celebrate the victory of WWII, yet remains respectful and sensitive to its historic surroundings. The vistas from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial and the site's park-like setting are preserved, and the double row of elm trees that flank the memorial have been restored. Above all, the design creates a powerful sense of place that is distinct, memorable, evocative and serene.   The memorial plaza and Rainbow Pool are the principal design features of the memorial, unifying all other elements. Two flagpoles flying the American flag frame the ceremonial entrance at 17th Street. The bases of granite and bronze are adorned with the military service seals of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Army Air Forces, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Ceremonial steps and ramps lead from 17th Street into the plaza. A series of 24 bronze bas relief panels along the ceremonial entrance balustrades depict America's war years, at home and overseas. Announcements of the memorial are located at the 17th Street ceremonial entrance. Curvilinear ramps at the north and south approaches provide access to the plaza for visitors walking along the existing east-west pathways between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. These ramps provide a gentle entry to the plaza. Granite benches follow the curvilinear rampart walls.  Two 43-foot pavilions serve as markers and entries on the north and south ends of the plaza. Bronze baldacchinos are an integral part of the pavilion design. Four bronze columns support four American eagles that hold a suspended victory laurel to memorialize the victory of the WWII generation. Inlayed on the floor of the pavilions are the WWII victory medal surrounded by the years "1941-1945" and the words "Victory on Land," "Victory at Sea," and "Victory in the Air." These sculptural elements celebrate the victory won in the Atlantic and Pacific Theaters.   Fifty-six granite pillars celebrate the unprecedented unity of the nation during WWII. The pillars are connected by a bronze sculpted rope that symbolizes the bonding of the nation. Each state and territory from that period and the District of Columbia are represented by a pillar adorned with oak and wheat bronze wreaths and inscribed with its name. The 17-foot pillars are open in the center for greater transparency, and ample space between each allows viewing into and across the memorial.  Within a commemorative area at the western side of the memorial is recognized the sacrifice of America's WWII generation and the contribution of our allies. A field of 4,000 sculpted gold stars on the Freedom Wall commemorate the more than 400,000 Americans who gave their lives. During WWII, the gold star was the symbol of family sacrifice.  The historic waterworks of the Rainbow Pool are completely restored and contribute to the celebratory nature of the memorial. The design provides seating along the pool circumference for visitors. Semi-circular fountains at the base of the two memorial pavilions and waterfalls flanking the Freedom Wall complement the waterworks in the Rainbow Pool.  Two-thirds of the 7.4-acre memorial site is landscaping and water, allowing the memorial to nestle comfortably within its park-like setting. The ceremonial entrance has three large lawn panels between the monumental steps. The double row of elm trees has been restored to their original splendor, and a replanting plan replaced unhealthy trees. A landscaped contemplative area is located at the northwestern corner of the site. Canopies of flowering trees augment re-seeded lawns.  The memorial is constructed of bronze and granite. Granite was chosen for its aesthetic appeal, superior strength, and durability. Water resistance was another important criterion. The two principal stones selected for the memorial are “Kershaw” for the vertical elements and “Green County” for the main plaza paving stone. “Kershaw” is quarried in South Carolina, while “Green County” is quarried in Georgia. Two green stones – “Rio Verde” and “Moss Green” – were used for accent paving on the plaza. Both are quarried in Brazil. "Academy Black" and "Mount Airy" were used to reconstruct the Rainbow Pool. “Mount Airy,” quarried in North Carolina, is the original coping stone of the Rainbow Pool. To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the water surface of the pool, an apron of “Academy Black,” quarried in California, were used for the vertical interior surfaces.  Length (back of arch to back of arch): 384’ Width (back of basin behind Freedom Wall to bottom of ceremonial entrance): 279’ Plaza: 337’-10” long; 240’-2” wide; 6’ below grade Rainbow Pool: 246’-9” long; 147’-8” wide Ceremonial entrance: 148’-3” wide; 147’-8” long (curb to plaza) 2 Arches: 43’ above grade; 23’ square 56 Pillars: 17’ above grade; 4’4” wide; 3’ deep Freedom Wall: 84’-8” wide; 9’ high from plaza floor; 41’-9” radius      |
Apparently, it is Italian for "canopy", and in this usage, a "canopy" over an altar.
 |
 |
In 1623 Maffeo Barberini ascended the papal throne as Urban VIII, and with great ruthlessness and excellent taste inaugurated the Baroque embellishment of Rome. The completion of the decoration of St Peter's was to occupy most of the century, and from the start Bernini was at the centre of the plans of the Pope and the innumerable Barberini Cardinals. The Baldacchino was begun in 1624.
So my day hasn't been a total loss. Not only did I learn what a Baldacchino was, but I now know who designed the first one and when! I love 'dis country!
Sorry Snippy, I meant to address my the previous post to you as well. (Thank you for being ladylike ;-)
LOL! I had to look up the word too, and Snippy gave me the "usage" of the term. Seems to have a religious connotation, wonder how long before the ACLU gets into the act?
This year, we have some folks to remember from the war on terror. I'm also praying the cut and run leftist media doesn't render their sacrifice in vain. Could they take just this weekend off from their wall to wall coverage from now to the election of grab-an-Arab prison?
Today we filled up a gaggle of third grade girls waking up from a slumber party with pancakes, sausage and bacon. I cooked the meat, the wife cooked the pancakes. Yum.
I loved "Combat." The story I heard is that the Lieutenant was offered the Vic Morrow role but turned it down because he wanted the higher rank. Not a swift move, since the Sarge was the main character! Morrow was perfect for the role.
Thanks for your comments NorseWood.
I'm listening and watching the Dedication too and it's hard to keep a dry eye.
Cat's outta' the bag now.
Bob Dole on CPAN now.
Afternoon CT.
I've already had my day ruined by a comment Kerry made to the Press. Something about how the Memorial honors the alliances we made to defeat our enemies and how Bush has destryed them. What a POS he is!! Lord, I hate that man!
The was another series running at the same time called "The Gallant Men" but it wasn't as good. You're right, Morrow was perfect.
I loved his list of "what you can send me". :-)
Oops. Sorry I forgot to log Snippy off. Posts 88, 90, 91 and 92 were from me.
The ACLU is really going to come down on Dole with his "God Bless America" conclusion.
W on now!
Jimmy Carter and Sen. Kerry didn't attend?!?!?
Thank you. I saw that AFTER I posted my last message.:-( I guess I should have woke up and drunk a little coffee before posting.
Did the picture I sent you come through O.K.?
May Dad top right. Still kicking at 83
Good afternoon, Sam. Are you watching the dedication? The veterans are there inspite of the heat and sun. A tough group. Just wish I could have gone too.
Cool! A big salute to your Dad from North Carolina.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
