We just returned from Washington, D.C., and I am always struck by the national symbols in our capital city. Having been there several times before, on this visit we went to visit things we had not visited in prior trips, including the World War 2 memorial, the Native American museum, and the National Portrait Gallery. The WW2 memorial visit caused me to reflect not only on the service of so many of our countrymen in that vast conflict but especially of my dad who served in Europe from Normandy to Berlin, earning 5 battle stars and a Purple Heart along the way. The Native American museum has some interesting exhibits on the 3rd floor but overall was disappointing in its exhibits. I had hoped for more about key leaders of the various tribes and what they did to contribute to who the tribes are today. The National Portrait Gallery was spectacular and will be worth another visit. All of the U.S. Presidents have portraits on display along with many other notable Americans from throughout our history.
The layout of the National Mall again reminded me of a cathedral, which I am sure was intended. Consider this photo from Wikipedia showing the 1901 McMillan plan for the Mall:
If it were not labeled 'The Mall', you might think it was the floor plan of a cathedral. Notice that the reflecting pool between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial was intended to be in the shape of a cross, though it was not finally built that way. The entire design is also in the shape of a cross, just like a cathedral. As in other cathedrals, as a nation we go there to honor and mourn our dead, to reflect on things that are true, to give thanks for the liberty we have. As I have pondered the words of Lincoln's second inaugural address, carved into the wall of the Lincoln Memorial, I have been moved to tears as he reflected on God's judgement of our nation for the evil of slavery. On this trip I had to wonder what additional judgements may come from our current pursuit of the slavery that results from the idolatry of self-actualization and the autonomous self which has resulted in widespread abortion, pornography, homosexuality, and greed.
The Mall always make me think of a cathedral. We don't hear much about its resemblance to a cathedral nowadays, but I think it was intended that way, as a sort of cathedral of liberty. It reminds me of our blessings, the sacrifice it took to obtain those blessings, and the needed repentance to maintain them in an honorable way.
