Whether it be New York City, D.C., or even Troy, every city around the world seem to contain some type of memorial. While the vast majority of memorials are enjoyed by merely a select few, urban locations allow for only the most significant to become the most memorable. Or is it the other way around?
Majority of the time, people searching for fame from across the country tend to flock to Hollywood. Although talent is plentiful among the 330 million people in the US, the reason for this common journey to this specific city is opportunity. Of course, there is opportunity! Over 4 million people surround the area!
Like the most distinct stars that rise to fame, it seems that only the most tragic and most heroic events are featured among the millions. Because without a doubt, placing a memorial within a populated city "'would give...pertinence'" (Booth 35). But if the most irrelevant and most puzzling event were to be put on that same spotlight, would it be given the same praise?
The Korean War, for example, is often coined "The Forgotten War." And if the Korean War Veterans Memorial was given the same-- yet still underwhelming -- attention as the war has, it is likely that the memorial would be called "The Forgotten Memorial." Despite being located in the National Mall, as are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorials garners only a fraction of the attention given to the others.
Through the example of the Korean War Veterans Memorial-- which is still extremely significant--, it is clear that the criteria for worldwide interest is a prior fascination in the subject of commemoration.
Majority of the time, people searching for fame from across the country tend to flock to Hollywood. Although talent is plentiful among the 330 million people in the US, the reason for this common journey to this specific city is opportunity. Of course, there is opportunity! Over 4 million people surround the area!
Like the most distinct stars that rise to fame, it seems that only the most tragic and most heroic events are featured among the millions. Because without a doubt, placing a memorial within a populated city "'would give...pertinence'" (Booth 35). But if the most irrelevant and most puzzling event were to be put on that same spotlight, would it be given the same praise?
The Korean War, for example, is often coined "The Forgotten War." And if the Korean War Veterans Memorial was given the same-- yet still underwhelming -- attention as the war has, it is likely that the memorial would be called "The Forgotten Memorial." Despite being located in the National Mall, as are the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorials garners only a fraction of the attention given to the others.
Through the example of the Korean War Veterans Memorial-- which is still extremely significant--, it is clear that the criteria for worldwide interest is a prior fascination in the subject of commemoration.
I agree that there are both pros and cons with placing a memorial in a busy city. For a pro, many people are able to see the memorial. However, it may be overlooked as an everyday thing and people don't really have a place to quietly reflect on the memorial.
ReplyDeleteI love how you highlighted on the fact that context matters in memorials. I totally agree that if it was an odd event it would not gain as much recognition. I find this to be especially true in local memorials! There are a ton around here that I didn't even know existed!
ReplyDeleteI really loved your views on the importance of memorials. I agree that memorials should have more attention because of their historic significance. It really made me wonder why society doesn't emphasize the importance of these memorials as much as social media and celebrities.
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