The Meaning And Significance Of All Memorials In The USA

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Being able to travel back in time and see a location where a past event such as a battle of life and death or an important person from history was in the exact location, is truly an impactful view to imagine and experience. Such locations help keep people informed and reminded of how the nation we live in today was created. Factors a group or agency should strongly consider in memorializing an event, person, or building of a monument would be the creations design, meaning, and significance, as well as its location to create the desired effect by the artist to the people.

To begin, memorializing or building a monument, an important factor to consider is its design to create the wanted or needed effect and feel of the creation for those who come to visit. The Holocaust Museum was designed specifically to have a sense of respect and sadness for those who suffered during this horrible time and those we have lost (Source E). People were starved, beaten, and unfortunately killed during this tragedy. The Statue of Liberty in New York City also has a significance in its design. Given to us by France, the previously bronze lady started to turn the iconic green everyone knows today. These prime examples show the importance of creating the right design to build a memorial or monument because it has the power to make people feel a certain way and remember it easier as time continues to go on.

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However, the meaning and significance behind all memorials as well as monuments are just as important, to avoid offending and harming people due to the creation and its purpose. Mount Rushmore offended some people as it was seen or taken as ‘white men’ who drove the Sioux from the hills which they still hold sacred, but they also carved their faces into them (Source C). Although it may display power to those carved in Rushmore, to others in that land its viewed as close to graffiti. The Alamo also has its flaws, but it has a deeper meaning showing and telling about a grand battle that took place in Texas, as well as respect those who lost their lives in the battle. With a purpose such as these, the significance of any memorial or monument is very critical to respect and create an appropriate feel for the creation.

Furthermore, another factor to be considered when memorializing or building a monument is its location for the connection and relationship it’ll create with the people who come to visit and the landscape. Maya Lin created a Vietnam veterans memorial in Washington D.C. with a special design to create the effect on people of quietness, peace, but with a bit of darkness, the structure would create a relationship with the surrounding landscape (Source G). The National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery has a special memorial divided up into three sections, all put together intentionally to create a great effect while honoring those we have lost. The three sections consist of 800 six-foot metals hanging with names of victims, another section on the ground coming up with more names, and lastly the side of the memorial to give the people a sense of intimidation at the memorial. The location has a big role in adding further effects to the memorial or monument an artist is trying to convey, but it also connects all the landscape to have a better relationship with the future visitors who’ll come to see the creation.

Some might argue that there are not many factors into memorials and monuments, however, that is completely wrong as there is much to consider and much importance into creating such special and impactful creations of art. Groups and agencies have many factors to contribute to memorializing and building monuments, but some of the most important factors are its design, meaning, and purpose, as well as location. With these factors strongly focused on, the outcome of the design is sure to be a success and remembered. Creations with meaningful stories, history, and more can lead to more visits/ attention, leading to more knowledge being spread and never forgotten.

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