D.C. Response: Liz Janisse

The D.C. Trip was a great way to tie together our weeks of study in a real world environment, where we had the chance to see firsthand memorials we’ve spent time reading about and discussing, as well as participate in some of our own analysis in the visitation of new memorials.

It was exciting to finally see the sites we have been thinking about and compare in class to in person responses. In particular, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial surprised me. I initially did not fully understand the open design and the way it really does cut seamlessly into the landscape. Absent of large signs or other monument indicators, this was truly a space just for the Veterans who died there—unlike any other site we visited.

I had the chance to talk to Pat, a National Park Service staff member, about his experiences on duty at the memorial, and he echoed Hass’s sentiments about the ritual response the memorial generates in the form of gifts and other offerings (mentioning he’s seen photos, footballs, letters, wreaths, etc. himself). Pat also described the emotional impact that the memorial often generates among viewers. He sees the responses on a daily basis from people who come to find the names of their loved ones on the wall. In this way, I feel as though I can confirm in person what we have read and written about—this memorial inspires remembrance through a unique celebration of the individual and humanizes the lost soldiers of Vietnam unlike any memorial.

It was fun to return some old favorites—like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial—with a much more critical eye, given our recent studies. I found myself thinking carefully about position, building materials, entry, direction, and interaction, unlike ever before. Although we may not have gotten the chance to immerse ourselves fully in the World War II Memorial, I thought it was great timing to see the V-E Day ceremony. This demonstrates how these spaces become a hallowed ground for veterans and a forum for the public to acknowledge their contributions decades later. I think the versatility and community value of memorials shines when we have the chance to see a variety of interactive responses.