Mount Rushmore Memorial Essay

Around the world, people travel far and wide to pay their respects at monuments which memorialize important events or great historical figures. These monuments play a vital role in offering people with a place to pay proper homage to the subjects that have great significance to them. Monuments are a place to show respect and remembrance and should be constructed with this as the most important value in mind. When creating a monument to put a person or event into memorial, it is important to consider the location, design, and longevity of the memorial in order to properly honor the subject.
In order for visitors to be left with the feeling of a meaningful “face-to-face encounter in a specially valued place,” location should be carefully considered

and set aside to add value to the visitors’ experience and fulfill the “deep need for attachment that can be met only in a real place” that matches the aura of the monument. (A) One of the best ways to help create this aura, is by incorporating the design and location of the monument together so that they can create a cohesive vision. During the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C., the designer, Maya Lin, travelled to the site for the monument so that the design would remain harmonious with the location in the “beautiful park surrounded by trees.” By thoughtfully incorporating the location of the monument into her design, Lin added powerful meaning to the monument by positioning its walls to point towards both the Lincoln Memorial and Washington monument, “linking these two strong symbols for the country,” and creating “unity between the nation’s past and present.” (G) The more thought that is put into a monument, the stronger the impact it will be able to leave on the visitor by creating a meaningful and unforgettable experience for them to cherish closely.
Location however, is not the only important factor to be considered when constructing a new monument or memorial.

The longevity of the monument is important as well. Monuments are structures that pay homage to great historical figures and moments and deserve to be immortalized to show their significance to future generations. The stone statue memorial of Crazy Horse, the great Sioux leader, is being built a few miles from Mount Rushmore. Even though the Sioux people were once close to being completely erased, the “effort to honor the memory of the people” will not be erased so easily. This monument in the mountain is an impressive sight, and even though a day may come when most human creations are worn away with time, the monument of Crazy Horse will still stand tall with “his eyes ablaze” and “his long arm pointing out over his beloved Black Hills.” (C) Yet not all historical sites have the luxury of preservation. The Savannah Memorial Park could possibly be moved in order for new development to be built because the association in charge of the site does not have enough money to keep it running. Even though “Savannah is rich in history and should be preserved,” the association cannot attain historical landmark status with the state because it would not have enough resources to make it work. So when creating a monument, it is important to take into consideration the care and resources needed to preserve these sites so that they can be long lasting and seen by future generations as

well.
While there may be many important factors that go into the creation of a great monument, location should always remain a top priority in order to bring meaning to the monument and the people who go to visit it. Not only should should the location offer a place for tranquil and deep reflection, but it should remain in pristine condition to increase the longevity of the monument and pay proper homage to the subjects who are so greatly respected by all.