DC podcast

The podcast "Monumental Reflections" explores the history and significance of iconic memorials in Washington D.C. In this episode, they discuss the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial. They discuss favorite times to visit the Washington Monument, the significance of its brick colors, and the debate over its historical context. They also talk about the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and share personal reflections and notes left by visitors. The discussion then moves to the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the symbolism of its statues and fountain. Lastly, they discuss the impact of various memorials and the importance of visiting the National Mall. Hello and welcome to Monumental Reflections, where we journey through some of the Washington D.C.'s most iconic memorials and monuments, exploring their history, significance, and personal reflections. I am your host, Arylee Chantel, and today we'll dive into the stories behind the Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the World War II Memorial. Our first stop is the Washington Monument, standing tall as a tribute to our nation's first president. Joining us today, Mia. So, as you know, we went to the Washington Monument a ton of times, day and night, and during the sunset. What would you say is your favorite time to visit the Washington Monument? I know personally, for me, it was sunset, because I just thought it was really pretty. What time of day, for you, Mia, what was your favorite time to be there? Honestly, I think it was a lot better at night, because of the reflection in the water. I felt like it was really interesting to see kind of the differences, though, so I think both are important, but I definitely enjoyed night better. Visiting this monument, we saw many different cool things about it, and I thought the height was probably what impressed me the most. What impressed you about this monument the most? Part of the red packet was that we had to notice the brick colors, and that was really impressive to see in real life, because it kind of looks very short and different when you're seeing photos, but it's really different in real life. You said that the two colors of the bricks and how they change color in between really interested you, and you thought it was really cool. How do you feel about the stories, the made-up stories that they make, why it's the two different colors? One of them is that there was a huge flood. Do you think this should be cleared up so everyone knows the true story, why it's the different colors? I think I've seen in museums and near monuments, there are people that sometimes talk about personal connections and experiences. I do think the rumors are funny, and they do get it out to the public. I think that having those rumors makes people interested in the first place, so I don't think they should totally disappear, but I think having a guide there just to talk to people would be a nice addition. The two colors of the stone and how it wears out over time, it's really cool to see the history and how it happens. Would you say the two colors are cool, or would you want to paint it so it's all one color? I think the brick color is really interesting, because the fact that it's so long really shows how much effort and how much importance they put into this monument, because you obviously wouldn't continue something if you really didn't want it to be there. Do you think this monument deserves to be in a mall? Do you think it should be replaced by something else, or what? I think it's really important to be there. I think it's really impressive that it's still there. I think it took a lot of effort, and even if people don't agree with the historical context behind it, it's still a very impressive monument, and it deserves to be there. The second stop is the Vietnam Veteran Memorial, symbolizing all those Vietnam veterans who fought and died in the war. Please welcome our next interviewee, Issa. How do you feel about the design of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial? Because a Vietnam Veterans Memorial is mostly just a really long black wall with a bunch of the soldiers' names who either died, fought, served, or disappeared in the war. Do you feel like this design is a little too plain, or do you think there should be more things added to it? One thing about the Vietnam monument was the fact that most of the soldiers there did not get a proper burial. Like, this was their burial site. The names on those walls were the names on their gravestones. So, I thought that this place was beautiful to think having a place to be remembered. In this memorial, we were able to see some notes that people left for the people or soldiers who fought. Was there one note in specific that really stood out to you? So, I did notice a lot of letters, and I read most of them. One thing I noticed was that a lot of them were actually from students like ourselves who had also gone there and wanted to leave something behind. One of the notes I read was from this 4-2-0 girl. She had also come from a school trip. It was beautiful. She was saying sorry because the soldiers hadn't been treated right on their return, and they were actually hated because they wanted to serve their country in a war that they thought wasn't worth it. Actually, I wanted to write a note myself. I did end up writing it in my notebook. You didn't let me keep it there, but it was my own apology. And me sharing to them, hoping that because of this memorial, they found some peace, and that they could be laid to rest, even as their soul, if not their body. Thank you, Isa, for being here, and thank you for telling us about your note that you wrote. Thank you for having me. Thank you. Next up is the Korean War Veterans Memorial, paying tribute to those who served during the Korean War. Joining us next is Miles. In the Korean War Veterans Memorial, there are many statues of what looks like a field with guns. Do you think they should be there, or do you think they should be removed? I think that the statues of the soldiers, that's a really powerful way to show the soldiers that were involved in Vietnam. In the Korean War Veterans Memorial, there's this fountain, right next to it, in the middle of where they put the names of everyone who served, and the faces on the wall. What do you feel like the fountain represents? Because I know it has a few words in it, and why do you think the fountain was there? I think it was there to represent freedom and what the soldiers had fought for in the war. Thank you, Miles. Thank you, Miles. Next up is an overall overlook of all the memorials, and someone I'm going to interview is Ms. Weidler. What memorial impacted you the most, and why? I feel like that she was the unknown soldier. I know that may not be a memorial, but it is a very inspiring piece of architecture in Washington, D.C. What monument or memorial do you think must be involved? I think I would love to see a women's rights monument. Women have fought really hard to have rights, and I feel like it would be great if it was memorialized on the National Mall. That seems like a great idea. Do you think that Washington Mall is something that some people should visit? Absolutely. I think everyone who is a citizen or not living in the tourist business, it is a piece of United States history, and it would be really great for everyone to visit Washington, D.C. and the National Mall. If you were to go back, which monument would you visit? If I were to go back, I would love to go take time to see the FDR memorial. That was a really fancy memorial that I was undisappointed to see, but I do know that it is beautiful, and it talks all about the President being a great symbol and giving us track. Thank you for being here, Ms. Weidler. Thank you to all of our guests who shared their insights and reflections on these iconic memorials and monuments. Join us next time as we continue to explore the rich history and significance of the monuments and the memorials that grace our nation's capitals.