A trip to the Lincoln Memorial

After its debut in 1858 in New York City, the play “Our American Cousin” quickly became a hit. The three-act theatrical work, penned by English writer Tom Taylor, follows the story of a crude and uncouth American and his encounters with aristocratic relatives while trying to claim the estate of an English ancestor. Of course, when American crassness meets British sophistication, comedic misadventures are bound to occur.

The play was a raging success in the States and London, enjoying long runs at many famous theaters and helping several actors gain fame. The play would never be remembered for its critical acclaim but for something more sinister. On April 14, 1865, with the Civil War ending, President Abraham Lincoln decided to have a relaxing evening at Washington, D.C.’s Ford’s Theater for a presentation of “Our American Cousin.”

Everyone knows what happened that night, and that’s why I don’t trust actors.

The Civil War would officially end a month later. By 1867, national leaders wanted to find a way to honor the man credited for saving the United States and ending legal slavery. The Lincoln Monument Association was incorporated to raise money and plan a lasting means of remembrance for the slain 16th president. Ideas were tossed around, artist renderings were made, and money was collected, but nothing major would happen for decades.

The Lincoln Memorial, as we know it, was dedicated in 1922. The impressive temple-like structure sits on the most western part of the National Mall on the Potomac River, making it one of the first things you see when entering our nation’s capital from the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Inside, a towering marble likeness of Honest Abe looks out toward the Washington Monument. Each year, countless visitors climb the steps to see the statue and pay their respects to one of the best-known and well-liked American leaders.

Seeing the monument and looking out across the reflecting pond while meditating on our nation’s history is quite magical. However, if you found yourself doing that a couple of weeks ago, you would have been disrupted by an arguing family. Yes, it was mine.

Earlier this month, I found myself on a road trip up to the District of Columbia due to a dance competition. Having never been to the area, we made a mini-vacation out of it to ensure we had enough time to take in the sites and history. The Lincoln Memorial was the last stop on a day full of walking through museums and along the long sidewalks. It’s a mere two-mile hike from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial, and I’m afraid I underestimated the endurance of 10- and 8-year-old children.

By the time we had our photo op with The Great Emancipator, tempers were flaring, patience was thinning, and voices were rising. I don’t remember the incident that tipped the scales, but our visit ended with my daughter stomping down the great staircase, yelling about how she didn’t want to be around us anymore, specifically her brother.

I looked around at all the other happy couples and families, cutting their eyes in our direction. For a moment, we made their lives seem content and perfect, while I felt angry and ashamed. We started to trudge back to the car.

Such are family vacations. We try to do as much as possible to make the best out of every fleeting moment. Soon, things were back to normal, and now I find the whole thing rather humorous. It’ll make a good story to tell the kids one day.

The family that fights on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial together stays together.

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