NATIONAL HARBOR, MD (Eagle News) – Memorial Day in America, observed every last Monday in May, is a holiday that honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The day is also celebrated by many Americans as the unofficial start of summer. National Harbor, Maryland, located just outside of Washington D.C., is a great getaway to relax and bond with family and friends with activities for all to enjoy.
A glimpse of National Harbor during a crowded Memorial Day 2018. Located along the Potomac River, the waterfront harbor resort is a perfect short getaway to take from New York (a 3.5 hour drive) during the holiday weekend.
The 350-acre development features a number of shops, restaurants, hotels, waterfront views and beautiful art sculptures for travelers to enjoy and relax.
Maryland is well-known for their crabs, but other options such Lobster Rolls are also popular.
Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass represents two 19th century leaders in American history. Statues of them can be seen at National Harbor.
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and American President Franklin Delano Roosevelt worked together to defeat the Nazis. The two political leaders joined forces during World War II after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Churchill and FDR met on several occasions between 1941-1944 to strategize a plan of war against the Axis Powers (Germany, Japan, Italy). FDR died in office on April 12, 1945 and WWII ended later that year. Churchill said, “In FDR there died the greatest American friend we have ever known.”
A cultural icon of World War II, Rosie the Riveter paved the way for American women to enter the workforce. The iconic statue of a woman flexing her muscles inspired women to have a “We Can Do It” attitude while men entered the military during this era of American history.
The Embracing Peace statue also known as the Unconditional Surrender sculpture celebrates the end of WWII in 1945.
Soar to greater heights and ride on the Capital Wheel, National Harbor’s iconic landmark. This observation wheel features 42 gondola cars that overlook the Potomac River and the greater DMV area.
(All photos taken prior to the pandemic by Tennie Sumague, EBC New York Bureau, Eagle News Service.)
