May 2003
The National Park Service website for the FDR Memorial notes that, "this is a memorial not only to FDR, but also to the era he represents. The monument traces twelve years of American History through a sequence of four outdoor rooms - each one devoted to one of FDR's terms of office."
Learn more about the FDR Memorial.
| Click on the small image for a larger view. | |
|
The FDR Memorial encompasses some 7-1/2 acres west of the Tidal Basin. This map was taken from a National Park Service brouchure. |
|
When the memorial was being constructed, there was a great deal of controversy as to whether or not FDR would be depicted sitting in his wheelchair. In the end, it was decided that the memorial would be faithfully to the truth. |
|
"The Fireside Chat" by sculptor George Segal. An American listens intently to his radio as FDR delivers one of his Fireside Chats. |
|
On the right is "The Breadline," a depiction of a Depression Era bread line. On the left is "The Rural Couple." Both are by sculptor George Segal, who grew up during the Great Depression. |
|
The FDR quote here reads, "They (who) seek to establish systems of government based on regimentation of all human beings by a handful of rulers call this a new order. This is not new and it is not order." FDR was commenting on the Nazis in Germany, as well as the Facists in Italy and the imperial government in Japan. |
|
FDR on war: "I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea. I have seen blood running from the wounded. I have seen the dead in the mud. I have seen cities destroyed... I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war." |
