|
Statues and Memorials: Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) Memorial celebrates not only the life of President Roosevelt (1882-1945) but also events in the United States during his 12 years in office (1933-1945). The Memorial consists of 4 outdoor rooms with each representing one of his terms as President: 1933-1937 | 1937-1941 | 1941-1945 | 1945.
Sculptures in each room depict events of that time period, such as listening to a fireside chat on the radio or waiting in a bread line during the Great Depression. Each room has a waterfall that depicts the struggle of that period as well. Water was an important part of President Roosevelt’s life. During World War I, President Roosevelt served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and, in 1933, played a leading role in establishing the Tennessee Valley Authority, which aimed to reduce flood damage, provide electric power, and promote development.
Nine bronze statutes, based mainly on photographs of the President, are included in the Memorial. There is one of a larger-than-life President seated along side his dog, Fala. President Roosevelt suffered from polio and used a wheelchair, although he was almost never photographed in one. The original design of the Memorial did not include a statue of the President in his wheelchair. However, to depict the President as he really was, a statue showing him seated in a wheelchair, much like the one he actually used, was later added to the Memorial. The FDR Memorial is also the only presidential memorial to include a First Lady. The First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, was a strong supporter of the United States and is depicted standing before the United Nations emblem. To learn more about the FDR Memorial and President and Mrs. Roosevelt, check out these sites: Last updated:
July 17, 2009
|
