The Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial, an architectural tribute to the 16th President, is located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Located directly above Lincoln's head reads the text :

IN THIS TEMPLE

AS IN THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE

FOR WHOM HE SAVED THE UNION

THE MEMORY OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN

IS ENSHRINED FOREVER

The Memorial has also been home to many famous speeches through the course of history. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King proclaimed his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on the steps of the Memorial in front of 200,000 civil rights supporters.

Martin Luther King gave tribute to the 16th President in his masterful rhetoric with his opening words:

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of their captivity.

Both symbolic men- whose words still hold profound importance- remain prominent figures in our nation's history. Inscribed in the steps of the Memorial is:

I HAVE A DREAM

Martin Luther King Jr.

The March on Washington

for Jobs and Freedom

August 28, 1963