There are a lot of memorials in Washington, D.C. By a lot, I mean an abnormal amount. It seems as if on every corner there is some statue or plaque or something or the other to memorialize something.
I was saddened to hear specifically of one. When FDR died it was found among his writings that he wanted nothing spectacular for his memorial if anything at all. A small marble headstone with his name on it... no more. Apparently it was done as requested....until 1997....when a new monstrosity of a memorial was erected. A huge park with bronze statues and cherry blossoms and waterfalls complete with his quotes engraved in twenty foot block walls surrounding most of this huge park known as the FDR Memorial Gardens....or something like that.
He didn't want it....why should we? and isn't it somewhat insulting in the process? Isn't the best memorial one can give is simply honor the wishes of the dead?
It was also brought to my attention that the founder of the Smithsonian Institute, Dr. Smithson, was exhumed from his resting place in Italy to bring him over to DC where he could be re-intered near the museum. All to make the living seem to better respect the dead. Similarly when Gerald Ford was in office he was lampooned left and right...when he died, he was a strong leader who navigated peace and equality.
Respect the dead and their wishes....when I go....leave me be. Don't use my name to make you look like anything other than you are. Someone who knew me...and hopefully....misses me.
