Washington DC: Netherlands Carillon Anniversary
In spring there is so much color in the world. One of my favorite colorful spots in Washington DC is the Netherlands Carillon (photo at left courtesy of National Park System.
Located on the Virginia shore of the Potomac River, opposite the district and bordering the northern end of Arlington National Cemetery, the Carillon is adjacent to the Unites States Marine Corps War Memorial.
Set among thousands of tulips in a park setting, the 127-foot high tower, containing 49 bells, was a gift to the American people from the Dutch. It was a symbol of friendship characterized by a common allegiance to the principles of freedom, justice, and democracy that has weathered temporary differences.
The bell carillon was originally installed in a temporary tower in 1954, and was then moved to its current location in 1960. It was officially dedicated on May 5th, 1960, the anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands from the Nazis. On May 5th, 1995, the 50th anniversary of the liberation, a 50th bell was added to the carillon.
The largest bell measures nearly 7-foot in diameter and weighs 12,264 pounds. The smallest bell is eight inches in diameter and weighs 35 pounds. The bells are programmed to play automatically by computer, and strike the hour daily between 10 am and 6 pm. In addition, there are special programs and concerts.
Two bronze lions guard the plaza steps of the carillon, and a staircase leads up to an observatory platform. From the observatory platform, a small circular staircase winds up to the glass enclosed bell cabin, which is 83 feet above the ground.
The bell tower, surrounding gardens, and Iwo Jima monument can easily be seen in under an hour. However, I’d plan on 2-3 hours and add a picnic into the mix, as the area has a tremendous view of the monuments and surrounding environs. Enjoy some sun; people watching, and a few restful moments.
Linger on into dusk and you can watch the lights of the monuments and city come on. It’s a beautiful, and peaceful way to end a day.
Additional photo credit: Jon Rochetti, c. 2006
Tags: american-history, arlington-cemetery, flight+attendants, travel, washington+dc-netherlands-carillon
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POSTED IN: Things to See & Do
4 opinions for Washington DC: Netherlands Carillon Anniversary
Fly Away Cafe » Washington DC: Marine Corp Memorial
May 5, 2006 at 10:14 am
[...] Adjacent to the Netherlands Carillon and the tulip gardens is the Marine Corps War Memorial. [...]
Christina
May 5, 2006 at 1:09 pm
That is a beautiful picture of you and those tulips - gorgeous, all of you!! :)
Mary Jo Manzanares
May 6, 2006 at 3:47 am
Ah shucks, Christina, thank you. I had a good photographer!
Fly Away Cafe » Independence Day at the Iwo Jima Memorial
Jul 6, 2006 at 7:19 am
[...] Independence Day was commemorated with ceremonies, including a 21 gun salute, on the grounds of the Netherlands Carillon, in front of the Marine Corps War Memorial. [...]
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