May 2003
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The George Mason Memorial, dedicated in April of 2002, is a beautiful, little garden tucked away between the FDR and Jefferson Memorials. Mason authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which inspired Thomas Jefferson as he wrote the Declaration of Independence. |
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The words carved in the bench read: "All men are born equally free and independent, and have certain inherent natural rights ... among which are the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."
In May 1776, George Mason penned these words as part of the first document in America calling for freedom of the press, tolerance of religion, proscription of unreasonable searches and the right to a fair and speedy trial. This ideal would later be the basis of the Bill of Rights. |
Learn more about the George Mason Memorial.
