Thursday, March 4, 2010

World War I Memorial

Did you know that Washington, D.C. has a World War I (that's, right: World War I) memorial?
Did you know that is located on the National Mall along side all the other major memorials?

It's true; D.C. does have a World War I memorial and it is on the Mall.  Unfortunately (but kind of fortunately) most people don't even know it exists.  The memorial was built to honor Washingtonians who served in the first World War.

Because most people have never heard of it, it gets minimal foot traffic, attention, or upkeep.  There's rarely anyone ever there and the whole thing is kind of crumbling away and really looks its age (it was built in '31).  Subsequently, it is one of my very favorite memorials. 

I photographed the memorial one evening after I got off of work last summer.  It was the most hot, humid, muggy day I have ever experienced in D.C.  Even at 6:30 at night, the conditions were miserable.  I was drenched in sweat, sticky, my face flushed from the heat, make-up sweated off, and my hair a mess.  I looked so bad that I took a picture of myself to show friends back from where I come from just how bad the humidity is here.  I'm sure you'll understand why that self-portrait isn't making the sampling of my best work!

If you come to visit D.C. -- or if you live here -- make sure to visit the World War I memorial.  Just don't spread the word too much!











3 comments:

Sara said...

WOW! Seriously, love all of them, but the first and last are my favorites! Definitely something I'd want hanging in our Library at home. Nicely done, Emilee!

Taryn said...

I love the one looking up the stairs--very interesting perspective. What a pretty monument.

Emilee Cluff Photography Portfolio said...

Thank you!

These are some of my very favorites. I love how they turned out.