Post by: Andy Krupin
No trip to Washington, D.C. is complete without a tour of
presidential monuments. From the stoic obelisk that is the Washington Monument
to the grand and powerful Lincoln Memorial, these testaments remind us of some
of our nation’s greatest leaders in our most difficult times. They inspire awe
and are a major drawing point for visitors from around the globe.
With the power and prestige associated with a presidential
monument, sometimes I wonder: who is next? Which history-maker should we honor
next with an immortal reminder of his time in office? Here are my top three choices
for the next presidential monument.
3. Andrew Jackson
Although Old Hickory’s presidency was mired with controversy, particularly in relation to his treatment of the Native American population, Jackson was still an incredibly influential figure in early American history. A war hero from the War of 1812, Jackson brought grit and toughness to the presidency, and successfully disputed South Carolina’s claim that they could nullify federal laws. Although this eventually boiled over into the Civil War, Jackson quieted the southerners and prevented an outright rebellion in the early 1800s.
Although Old Hickory’s presidency was mired with controversy, particularly in relation to his treatment of the Native American population, Jackson was still an incredibly influential figure in early American history. A war hero from the War of 1812, Jackson brought grit and toughness to the presidency, and successfully disputed South Carolina’s claim that they could nullify federal laws. Although this eventually boiled over into the Civil War, Jackson quieted the southerners and prevented an outright rebellion in the early 1800s.
2. John F. Kennedy
President Kennedy may have been assassinated before the conclusion of his term, but the legacy he left is still well-remembered today. Kennedy was able to avert nuclear destruction that would have come about as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis, arguably the hottest that the Cold War ever got. While serving as the president, Kennedy was also a outspoken proponent of space travel, and his speech on reaching the moon would eventually be realized in one of the greatest achievements in human history. Finally, JFK continued to support the civil rights that first began to take shape during the Eisenhower Administration and created a platform for the sweeping reforms signed into law by President Johnson.
While some would count his grave site at Arlington National Cemetery as a pseudo-monument, it serves more to remind us of the sacrifice he made as Commander-in-Chief that fateful November day. In my opinion, something a little more charismatic is in order, to reflect both his personality and time in office.
President Kennedy may have been assassinated before the conclusion of his term, but the legacy he left is still well-remembered today. Kennedy was able to avert nuclear destruction that would have come about as a result of the Cuban Missile Crisis, arguably the hottest that the Cold War ever got. While serving as the president, Kennedy was also a outspoken proponent of space travel, and his speech on reaching the moon would eventually be realized in one of the greatest achievements in human history. Finally, JFK continued to support the civil rights that first began to take shape during the Eisenhower Administration and created a platform for the sweeping reforms signed into law by President Johnson.
While some would count his grave site at Arlington National Cemetery as a pseudo-monument, it serves more to remind us of the sacrifice he made as Commander-in-Chief that fateful November day. In my opinion, something a little more charismatic is in order, to reflect both his personality and time in office.
1. Dwight D.
Eisenhower
Think about it… everybody likes Ike! Eisenhower played a monumental role in winning the war and saving the world by serving as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II. Although it was ultimately the Russians who stormed Berlin which led to the Nazi surrender, Allied success wouldn’t have been possible unless the Americans and the British successfully invaded France.
As President of the United States, Eisenhower’s greatest success is arguably linking the entire country together through the modern highway system, which revolutionized American transportation. Eisenhower was arguably one of the most influential men of the 20th century, and a memorial of him will soon reflect our recognition of all he did for our nation. Even if a memorial wasn’t already in the works, he would still be an unquestionable #1.
Think about it… everybody likes Ike! Eisenhower played a monumental role in winning the war and saving the world by serving as Supreme Allied Commander during World War II. Although it was ultimately the Russians who stormed Berlin which led to the Nazi surrender, Allied success wouldn’t have been possible unless the Americans and the British successfully invaded France.
As President of the United States, Eisenhower’s greatest success is arguably linking the entire country together through the modern highway system, which revolutionized American transportation. Eisenhower was arguably one of the most influential men of the 20th century, and a memorial of him will soon reflect our recognition of all he did for our nation. Even if a memorial wasn’t already in the works, he would still be an unquestionable #1.
To learn more about the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial,
visit: eisenhowermemorial.gov
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