A Monument to Overcoming Obstacles

Our nation has a tradition of honoring citizens who have done great things. We build memorials to them. A memorial is a large building or sculpture made of stone or metal. Memorials contain images and symbols that represent the people they’re built to honor. Most cities and states in our nation have memorials.

Some of the most famous memorials in our nation are in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall. The National Mall is a large park. It has lots of grass and trees, and spaces for people to gather. Visitors, like my family, can see the memorials, read about our national heroes, and listen to National Park rangers tell our nation’s history. People come here from all over the country.

Building a memorial on the National Mall is no easy task! It requires permission from Congress and the President. Congress has to pass a special law authorizing the memorial. Then, the President has to sign the law. After that, many people have to work together to raise money for, plan, and build the memorial.

The newest memorial is located exactly half way between the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Can you find it?

The newest memorial on the National Mall honors Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a leader during the civil rights movement. There was a time in our nation’s history, long ago, when inequality was a part of everyday life. African Americans and whites were kept apart by law and by custom. During the civil rights movement, people stood up to say inequality was wrong. This took courage. Martin was a special leader in the movement. People listened to him, looked up to him, and followed what he said.

Martin Luther King, Jr., said people should fight inequality with non-violent resistance. This means people protested peacefully. When violence was used against them, they didn’t fight back. Because of this, other people began to support the protestors.

Martin Luther King, Jr., died in 1968. Though he died, equality continued to grow. Today, people are protected from inequality more than ever.

The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial opened on August 28, 2011. It took 27 years to plan and build!

The Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial opened for the first time in August 2011. It helps us remember Dr. King’s message of peaceful resistance to inequality. Other memorials on the National Mall honor Presidents and people who served our country during wartime. The memorial to Martin Luther King, Jr., is the first one to honor an African American and a regular citizen. Our country is thankful for the life and actions of Martin Luther King, Jr. That is why he has a memorial on the National Mall.

TLX News Journal: Civics Activity
There are many national heroes who are not honored on the National Mall. There simply isn’t enough room! How do you think Congress decides for whom to allow memorials? Imagine you are a member of Congress. Make a list of character traits and actions that you think deserve a memorial.