Moon and Washington Monument

On a stroll along the National Mall after sunset one evening, I was treated to the stirring sight of the crescent moon directly behind the Washington Monument. By taking this photo from exactly the right spot with a telephoto lens, I was able to align the moon with the tip of the 555-foot tall monument. The top of the white marble obelisk is a 3,300-pound capstone topped with a 9-inch pyramid of cast aluminum. Below the warning lights in this photo, you can see the windows through which daytime visitors get magnificent views of the National Mall in all four directions.

Alone among the Founders of the United States George Washington earned the title "Father of his Country" in recognition of his leadership in the cause of American indepencence. Appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775, he molded a fighting force that won independence from Great Britain. In 1787 as President of the Constitutional Convention, he helped guide the deliberations to form a government that has lasted now more than 200 years. Two years later he was unanimously elected first President of the United States. Washington defined the Presidency and helped develp the relationships among the three branches of government. He established precedents that successfully launched the new government on its course. Washington remained ever mindful of the ramifications of his decisions and actions, for he was a consummate statesman. With this monument the citizens of the United States show their enduring gratitude and respect.

Location: National Mall, Washington D.C.
Date: May 24, 2004.
Time: 6:53 p.m. EDT.
Camera: Sony Mavica MVC-FD88 digital camera with 2X teleconverter lens on fixed tripod.
Digital image noise reduction processing by Rick Scott using NeatImage software.