Washington Monument Repairs Continue
06/27/2013
Scaffolding Protects Washington Monument
Hello, again. I’m Jim Tedder in Washington. Today we report on the latest efforts to repair one of the most recognizable sites in the world. And we’ll travel to Nepal to hear about one man’s efforts to teach reading and writing to millions of people around the world. The program is called As It Is, and we are happy you joined us.
The Washington Monument rises 169 meters over the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The grayish white stone structure is called an obelisk, with the top shaped similar to that of a pyramid. The obelisk honors George Washington. He led colonial forces that helped America win independence from England and served as the new country’s first president from 1789 to 1797.
For many years, the marble and granite structure has been a favorite of the public. Millions of people have visited the monument, which had its first stone placed on July 4th, 1848. Its image in photographs and on postcards travels around the world.
On a warm summer day in 2011, an earthquake of 5-point-8 strength shook the Washington, D.C. area. The quake was centered in Virginia, and was felt in several other states. Two tall landmark structures in the District of Columbia suffered major damage. One was the Washington National Cathedral. The other was the Washington Monument.
Cracks opened in the obelisk as pieces of stone shook loose from the quake. One crack was large enough so that from the inside, daylight could be seen through it. Soon after the quake, workers took off some pieces near the top to prevent them from falling.
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2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25