The gift of flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, understood in every culture. The floral tributes at funerals bespeak both the beauty and the brevity of life and evoke memories of other days. These sorts of offerings are made each day at Arlington National Cemetery, at the dozens of funerals occurring there and in solitary communion with a departed loved one.
More formal ceremonies involve the laying of a wreath and the attendance of others at this ritual. These, too, are held with frequency at Arlington. You may have the opportunity to observe such a ceremony during your visit to Arlington. You even might be taking part in one.
How are spaces inscribed with meaning over time? We are going to be exploring the city of Washington, D.C. and considering how its buildings and monuments perform or embody national identity. Is the national identity modified when a site is used by people?
Assignment Part I - The group is creating a set of modules on historic sites.
Contribute to the post on your site. Be sure to include the following: 1. An image of the place 2. A brief description of the site in your own words including the date, architects, artists, patrons and intended function. 3. A discussion of the history of the site and how it can help us to understand how spaces are inscribed with meaning over time. 4. A video clip, which can be your own or archival (i.e. from a website like Teachertube), that supports your discussion of the changing historical meaning. 5.Your comments about your first-hand experience of the place and your response to the essential question -
Assignment Part II
Writing for an authentic purpose. What is the meaning of the site for you today? Post a comment on each module.
Wreath Placing at ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY:
ReplyDeleteThe gift of flowers at a memorial site is a ritual that occurs around the world, understood in every culture. The floral tributes at funerals bespeak both the beauty and the brevity of life and evoke memories of other days. These sorts of offerings are made each day at Arlington National Cemetery, at the dozens of funerals occurring there and in solitary communion with a departed loved one.
More formal ceremonies involve the laying of a wreath and the attendance of others at this ritual. These, too, are held with frequency at Arlington. You may have the opportunity to observe such a ceremony during your visit to Arlington. You even might be taking part in one.