Saturday, August 6, 2011

The U.S.Capitol & Statue of Freedom

This picture was not taken last week when it appeared that the Capitol may "blow a gasket" with the heated debates. Actually it was taken on June 6, 1993 when Elaine and I had flown back to Washington, D. C. to participate in a Groundwater Guardian meeting. We had gone back a day early, rented a car and drove down to Richmond, VA to have our Anniversary Dinner with son Verlon and his friend, Kli. Back in D.C. on Sunday we snapped this picture while retuning our car to the airport after  checking in to the Holiday Inn Governor's House at 17th & Rhode Island Ave. NW

The Statue of Freedom is a bronze statue designed by Thomas Crawford that since 1863 has crowned the dome of the U.S. Capitol. It stands 19 1/2 feet high and weighs some 15,000 pounds. The statue was removed May 9, 1993 and brought down for restoration. It had extensive pitting and corrosion on the surface of the bronze as well as needing other necessary repairs. It was returned to its pedestal by helicopter on October 23, 1993 amid the bicentennial of the U.S.Capitol.  She holds the hilt of a sheathed sword while a laurel wreath of victory and the Shield of the United States are clasped in her left hand. Her chiton is secured by a brooch inscribed "U.S" and is partially covered by a heavy, Native American-style fringed blanket thrown over her left shoulder. She faces to the east.

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