In honour of Martin Luther King Day, I thought I’d post a few photos from my visit to his memorial in Washington DC on a hot summer evening last year. The granite from which the statue of Martin Luther King emerges is said to represent the determination of a generation to achieve a fair and honest society. Seventeen of Dr. King’s quotes are etched into the gracefully curved walls around the memorial and his words still ring true today.
The memorial, which opened to the public on August 22nd 2011, is free to visit and open 24 hours a day. The nearest Metro station is Smithsonian, which is about a 10-15 minute walk away. The memorial’s official address, 1964 Independence Avenue SW, was chosen to commemorate the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
More on my DC trip here and here.
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About ailsapm
Hi there! I’m Ailsa Prideaux-Mooney. I’ve lived in many places, and travelled to many more. I had a lot of fun getting there and being there, wherever there happened to be at the time. I climbed a castle wall in Czesky Krumlov, abseiled down cliffs to go caving in the west of Ireland, slept on the beach in Paros, got chased by a swarm of bees in Vourvourou (ok that wasn’t fun, but it was exciting), learned flower arranging in Tokyo, found myself in the middle of a riot in Seoul, learned to snowboard in Salzburg, got lost in a labyrinth in Budapest and had my ice cream stolen by a gull in Cornwall.
And I’m just getting started.
If you’ve enjoyed what you’ve read so far, I’d love you to follow my travelogue - wheresmybackpack.com - and remember, anyone who tries to tell you it’s a small world hasn’t tried to see it all.
Where's my backpack? 
Very inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
It really is one of the most inspiring places to visit in DC, Ajay. xxx
Very inspiring… 🙂
The first I look for that was “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” – and yes the quote was there… 🙂
Very well captured… 🙂
It is such a beautiful memorial, Drake, and the atmosphere is one of quiet contemplation. xxx Ailsa
Beautiful photos …. powerful man … powerful words and stunning memorial – you have really made it justice here.
It was a very inspiring place to visit, viveka. If you’re ever in DC you should see it for yourself. xxx
Of course I will do … but DC have never been on my bucket list … yet!
It’s an extraordinary place, viveka, so much to see and do. Avoid summer, though, unless you enjoy scorching temperatures and insane humidity!
Thanks, had that last year in Chicago .. I have been thinking about DC lately – after seen so many TV series with DC as location, it’s winning me over. So much to see .. so little time and most of the money.
Oh, I know the feeling, viveka. However, if you can find somewhere affordable to stay, Washington DC has got in incredible array of free places to visit; all the memorials, countless museums and tons of free events. It’s a budget-conscious traveller’s dream! 🙂
Okay … just like Chicago. One of the reason why I love it so much – I will put it on my list. *smile – thanks for convincing me.
Awesome place! I was there in April 2012
It really is a lovely memorial, Mitchell. Were the cherry blossoms in bloom when you visited?
I was there right at the end of the peak. It was like a different world.
I really and impressed with the statue
It’s really impressive up close, Mark – it’s called the Stone of Hope and was sculpted by the Chinese sculptor Lei Yixin.
Thank you for remembering – and celebrating – such a wonderful American holiday!!
It is one of the best. xxx
We did not get a chance to visit this memorial last time we were in D.C., but will make sure we do next time — so beautiful! ~ Kat
It’s definitely worth a visit, Kat, it’s really moving. xxx
Thanks for posting. Put tears in my eyes.
It was one of the more moving places I visited during my trip to DC, tmso, glad you enjoyed it. xxx
Simply inspiring … thank you for sharing these photos.
Thanks Patricia, glad you enjoyed my photos; I hope you get to see the memorial yourself someday. xxx
your photos capture what is a thoughtful, insightful walk along his memorial
Great post. We sure can use a reminder of his words these days.
Oh boy, isn’t that the truth? Sad how easily we, and those in power, forget, compostingwords. xxx
A great post!
Such inspiring words from a man who’s life was so tragically cut short
I wonder how his life would have played out; I’m sure he would have been a major player on the world stage. I can’t believe he was only 39 when he was assassinated and am sad I never knew a world with him in it.
A very sad decade of American history, so many great men assasinated
Darkness/light
Hate/love
Yes, yes, YES
Inspiring man. Fabulous post.
Thanks.
Great quotes! Thank you so much, Ailsa!
Beautiful post!
Spectacular.
Great share .. with the words of wisdom of those taken from life too early… thank the Lord we still have Mr Mandela that led us to a free country…
I haven’t been to this Memorial yet. I was so close the last time i was there but didn’t go.
After seeing these images I know I will go next time.
Reblogged this on Isa Ibrahim.
Great Share
What a fabulous place to visit, very inspiring. I love the 3 meals a day quote, we should all believe that for everybody.
I have not been to see the monument yet … thanks for the introduction!
Reblogged this on Teacher as Transformer and commented:
I know I am a couple of days late, but here is a great visual of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial with the wonder of his words.
Awesome post.
Inspiring. Great post. Beautiful words.
Very moving images!
Lovely, Ailsa!
Great post. He’s such an inspiration!
Inspiring indeed, Thank You
What a fantastic memorial. Such an inspirational man. If only more people thought like he did.