The Lincoln Memorial is central to the cultural, political, tourist, and recreational life of D.C. It’s just reached its 100th anniversary, serving as the site of many historic events along with daily crowds. Here are some of the things we’ve seen over the last few years:
Major events
2020 commemoration of the 1963 March on Washington:
Commemoration of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, with a performance of Come From Away (the musical about Newfoundland welcoming stranded passengers on flights during that day).
2021 March for Voting Rights:
Veterans and Military
Honor Flights is a program giving veterans a day of honor at the memorials.
The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performing at the memorial:
Rallies and Protests
For Ukraine
Black Lives Matter
Muslim travel bans
2020 Election
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is frequently erected on the plaza to broadcast events.
Preparations for the 2017 Inauguration:
Exhibits and demonstrations
U.S. Honor Quilt for COVID, October 2020:
Statues of Presidential dogs on President’s Day 2022:
The space shuttle Discovery making a ceremonial pass over the Lincoln Memorial in 2012:
TV and films
Filming of The Handmaid’s Tale:
Filming of Rustin, an upcoming movie about Bayard Rustin who organized the 1963 March on Washington.
In addition to major productions, many smaller videos on social justice issues are made at the Lincoln, such as this one:
At Sunset
In the winter
Dancing
The Reflecting Pool
People are not supposed to enter the Reflecting Pool, but sometimes do:
It’s a constant struggle to keep the water clean, and the pool is periodically drained and refreshed.
Private ceremonies
In between the events and the crowds, the side corridors of the Lincoln are frequently used for wedding and graduation photos:
Locals and tourists
The Lincoln Memorial and surrounding grounds are part of the National Park system, and are constantly visited by locals as well as tourists.
Here’s to the Lincoln Memorial continuing to serve us as a symbol of hope over the next 100 years!
