Information & history on back of plaque:
The Jefferson Memorial is a shrine to Thomas Jefferson,  third President of the United States and the author of the Declaration of Independence.   Its design is based on the classical architectural style which Jefferson introduced to the U.S. Inscribed along the interior walls are selections from Jeffeson's writings on liberty,  including the Declaration of Independence.   The memorial was dedicated on April 13,  1943,  the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's birth.

Information & history on back of plaque:
The Jefferson Memorial is a shrine to Thomas Jefferson,  third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.   Its design is based on the classical architectural style which Jefferson introduced to the U.S.   Inscribed along the interior walls are selections from Jefferson's writings on liberty,  including the Declaration of Independence.   The memorial was dedicated on April 13,  1943,  the 200th anniversary of Jefferson's birth.

Information & history on back of plaque:
Liberty Enlightening the World (the official title) is second only to our nation's flag as an enduring symbol of freedom.   As proclaimed by President Reagan at the 100th anniversary of "Lady Liberty,"  "We are the keepers of the flame of liberty;  we hold it high for the world to see."

Information & history on back of plaque:
This beautiful memorial,  honoring Abraham Lincoln, ranks as one of the most handsome memorials of the 1900s.   The construction of the Lincoln Memorial began February 12,  1914,  and was completed in 1922.   The 36 Doric columns representing the 36 states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death surround a great hall.   A majestic,  19-foot-tall statue of Lincoln dominates the interior of this massive marble building.   Murals depicting principles evident in Lincoln's life are located on the north and south walls of the memorial above inscriptions of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Speech.

Information & history on back of plaque:
Built in honor of George Washington,  this monument was completed on December 6,  1884 after standing unfinished for 25 years.   It is a classic obelisk,  measuring 555 feet 5 1/2 inches tall.   Inside,  the monument is hollow.   Its inner walls are set with 193 carved memorial stones that were presented by individuals,  societies,  cities,  states,  and other countries.   Inside,  an elevator carries tourists to the top of this monument for a spectacular view of Washington,  DC.   Individuals can also opt for a walking tour down the 897 interior steps to view the monument stones.

Information & history on back of plaque:
Whether a farmer,  general,  or President,  George Washington personified the epitome of a gentleman and an extraordinary leader.   Not unlike the man's strength and quiet presence,  so stands his monument,  quiet and unassuming,  yet a central focus in our nation's capital.   The monument,  dedicated by the gratitude of a nation,  is a reflection of the spirit of the man - a great man - a man deeply devoted to his country.

Information & history on back of plaque:
On March 27,  1912,  First Lady Helen Herron Taft along with Viscountess Chinda of Japan planted two cherry trees along the northern bank of the Tidal Basin.   These were from a gift of 3,020 cherry trees given by the city of Tokyo,  Japan.   2002 marks the 90th anniversary of these spectacular trees.   Dressed in their pink or white blossoms,  they are quite a sight to behold.   Blossom time in our nation's capital draws crowds of over 700,000.   Visitors take home many photos and memories of the unequalled splendor that they have just witnessed.

Information & history on back of plaque:
With Thomas Jefferson's purchase of Louisiana from Napoleon at about 3 cents an acre,  the procurement of what is today the better part of eleven states between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains nearly doubled the size of the United States of 1803.   Jefferson's vision and insatiable thirst for knowledge of the West prompted him to set in motion a great trailblazing expedition.
Washington,  D.C.,  June 20,  1803 To Meriwether Lewis Esquire,
The Object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river and such principal stream of it as by its course and communication with the waters of the Pacific ocean,  whether the Columbia,  Oregon,  Colorado or any other river may offer the most direct and practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce...
        Th. Jeffeson Pr. U.S. of America
With the ensuing letter was born the Corps of Discovery,  the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 - 1806,  and born with it a sense of unlimited opportunities and infinite possibilities.