TRIP TO WASHINGTON: FDR MEMORIAL
FDR Memorial
September 25, 2011
Photo by John White
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Another one of the most recent memorials to be completed in the Nation's Capital is the "Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial".
It was completed in 1997 & my 1st visit came in 2003.
On our recent trip, we made a return visit.
The FDR Memorial is in West Potomac Park, between the Tidal Basin & Potomac River.
This unique memorial has 5 outdoor rooms, 4 of which represent FDR's 4 terms as President of the United States from 1933 to 1945.
The walls around the memorial bear famous FDR quotations.
My favorite is Room 3 which has the sculpture of a seated FDR wearing his famous cape with his loyal Scottie dog, Fala, sitting by his side.*
FDR Memorial
Fala & FDR
September 25, 2011
Photo by John White
This sculpture is the work of Neil Estern.
*I noticed on this visit people wanted to get their pictures made with Fala instead of FDR.
Fala
FDR Memorial
September 25, 2011
Photo by John White
October 10, 1963
MERCURY 7 AWARDED ROBERT J. COLLIER TROPHY BY PRESIDENT KENNEDY
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy presented the Robert J. Collier Trophy today to Mercury astronauts: Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Gus Grissom, Alan Shepard, Deke Slayton & Wally Schirra.
These men were chosen by NASA as the 1st astronauts in America's space program to fly the Project Mercury missions.
They are known as "The Mercury 7".
The Mercury Seven
March 1960
NASA Photo
October 10, 1962
JFK SIGNS DRUG LABELING BILL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President John F. Kennedy signed the Drug Labeling Bill here at the White House today.
The legislation provides safer & more effective drugs to the consumer.
JFK said the bill "will also insure that our pharmaceutical industry will be even better equipped to provide us with the best possible drugs...."
The bill will require the drug companies to include the common name of the drug along with its trade name on their labels.
In advertising, companies must also explain any side effects from taking the medication.
October 10, 1951
TRUMAN SIGNS MUTUAL SECURITY ACT
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) President Harry S Truman signed the Mutual Security Act today authorizing $7.5 billion for military, economic & technical foreign aid to "free peoples" of the world.
The President said:
"We are building armaments...but we are (also) helping to restore the productive power of war shattered countries."
President Harry S Truman
October 10, 1845
US NAVAL SCHOOL OPENS IN ANNAPOLIS
Annapolis, Maryland (JFK+50) The United States Naval School opened today here in Annapolis, Maryland.
The naval school will serve 50 midshipmen & will employ 7 professors.
The curriculum will include math & navigation, gunnery & steam, chemistry, English, natural philosophy & French.*
*In 1850, the school officially became the United States Naval Academy with a requirement that midshipmen study at the academy 4 years & train aboard ship each summer.
On August 1, 1963, JFK spoke at the US Naval Academy. He said:
"Any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride & satisfaction, 'I served in the United States Navy.'"**
**This quote appears on a recent recruiting poster for the Navy.
US Navy Recruiting Poster
October 10, 1973
VICE-PRESIDENT AGNEW RESIGNS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Spiro T. Agnew resigned the office of Vice-President of the United States today.
Mr. Agnew pleaded "no contest" to charges of political corruption.*
*Agnew was fined $10,000, given 3 years probation & disbarred by the Maryland Court of Appeals. By the 25th Amendment, President Nixon appointed a new Vice-President. He chose Gerald R. Ford of Michigan.
Spiro T. Agnew
