FDR Memorial

Taking advantage of the unseasonably cool temperatures, another tour of the monuments seemed like the perfect activity for a summer evening. Making our way around the tidal basin, Kelly F, Adrianna, Helene, and I first visited the Jefferson Memorial and then made our way to the FDR Memorial. Not knowing that we entered at the actual end of the memorial, the museum was quite different than the other memorials we had previously visited.

The memorial is divided into four sections representing the four terms FDR served as President (the longest presidency of any President), each section focused on a major event occurring during that time period. The Great Depression, the Damn Building Project, World War II, and Roosevelt’s death have a strong presence within the memorial.

Besides the tranquil waterfalls spread throughout, the most impressive part of the site is its dedication to helping people from all backgrounds experience the memorial. The layout of the memorial is easily wheelchair accessible and directly in the middle of the memorial, there are large polls with Braille writing and inscriptions so those who are blind are able to experience the memorial as well. While FDR was the country’s only handicapped President, the memorial doesn’t try to hide his disability. Roosevelt's reliance on a wheelchair was not publicized during his life, as there was a stigma of weakness and instability associated with any disability. But within the memorial, his disability is used as a tool of empowerment and strength.

If you have not visited this yet, it is worth the trip.

M.A.