Civic Symbolism

Trump Desecrates Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial’s design, with its 36 Doric columns and open symmetry, was intentionally crafted to embody Lincoln’s vision of democracy and reconciliation. Its steps, numbering 87, subtly reference the Gettysburg Address and the span between Lincoln’s speech and the Declaration of Independence. Over time, the Memorial has evolved into a powerful symbol, particularly for African Americans, who have used its steps for pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement, such as Marian Anderson’s concert and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Despite attempts to overshadow its significance with displays of military power or the planned construction of a large arch, the Lincoln Memorial endures as a testament to liberty and equality.

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