2023: Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument

During the leadership training I attended in Washington, D.C., the institute offered us the chance to tour some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—a perfect opportunity I couldn’t pass up. One of the highlights was visiting the Lincoln Memorial, an enduring symbol of unity and equality. This majestic monument honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president, who preserved the nation during its Civil War and ended slavery. Designed as a Greek Doric temple, it features 36 grand columns representing the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln’s death. Inside, the marble statue of Lincoln sits solemnly, gazing across the National Mall, surrounded by powerful inscriptions of his speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural Address. The memorial has witnessed history, most notably Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and remains a profound reminder of the ideals that define America.
We also visited the Washington Monument and Reflecting Pool, which together form the heart of the National Mall. The towering 555-foot white obelisk commemorates George Washington, the first president, standing as a testament to leadership and unity. The Reflecting Pool adds a serene beauty, mirroring the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the surrounding trees, creating an unforgettable visual. This space has hosted countless historic moments and is a peaceful place for reflection and inspiration, whether in daylight or under the glow of the evening lights.
For this scrapbook spread, I used patriotic-themed background paper to capture the significance of these landmarks. Using my Cricut Maker’s pen feature, I created a title block with Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” to honor the words inscribed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I also found a graphic of the Lincoln statue in Cricut Design Space and drew it with the pen feature—a time-consuming process but one that added an elegant touch. The result is a design I’m proud of, capturing the gravity and beauty of this memorable experience.
Categories: 2023, Memorials, Presidential Sites