A monument is a building that was specifically designed to remember a person or event, or that has become significant to a social group as part of their recollection of past periods or cultural heritage owing to its artistic, historical, political, technological, or architectural significance.
Monuments are often made in honor of important people who have died, such as presidents, generals, and scientists. They also often commemorate events that changed history, such as the Magna Carta or the American Declaration of Independence. Some monuments serve as reminders of things that should not be done, such as war crimes or crimes against humanity. Others are used to honor those who have served society, such as police officers or firefighters. Still others are used to memorialize animals who have been famous for saving lives, such as police dogs or horses.
In North America, most monuments are dedicated to persons who have been honored with statues because of their importance to history or politics. However, some buildings have become landmarks instead, such as Niagara Falls State Park Lodge or Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center.
In Europe, many cities have monuments to honor their heroes, such as London's Trafalgar Square monument to Britain's victory over France in 1805. Other cities, such as Berlin, Germany, have historic sites that are important in shaping modern culture; these can be considered monuments too.
Monument and Memorial Definitions: A monument is a structure, statue, or building created to memorialize someone remarkable or a particular event. A memorial is a building or a statue created to memorialize a deceased individual or group of people who perished in a significant previous event.
Examples of monuments include the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The terms "monument" and "memorial" are used interchangeably.
The word "monumental" is derived from the Latin word for monument--"monumentum." Thus, a monumental work is one that honors its subject matter with great care and detail.
Monuments are often more impressive than memorials because they usually cost more money to build. But both structures serve the same purpose-to honor someone or something beyond themselves.
In American history, monuments often have been erected to mark important events or persons within this history. For example, a monument was also built to honor the men who died in World War I. Today, monuments are still being added to our history book!
It is very common for communities to want to commemorate their heroes before they die. So, cities across America are creating statues or parks where people can go to remember those who gave their lives for our country.
A monument provides a space for people to come and visit, weep, and remember the deceased. Building monuments provides an enduring item that symbolizes an individual's life and accomplishments, providing meaning and understanding to future generations of those who have come before. Creating monuments also serves as a way for people to express their feelings about important events in their history.
Monuments are found everywhere across the world in cities, towns, on farms, and at private places. They can be made of anything that is strong enough to last for many years- stone, metal, plastic- but most often they are made out of concrete.
There are two types of monuments: memorials and statues. A memorial is an object or structure that reminds people of someone they lost or something that happened in history. Statues are portraits or representations of people that stand alone as works of art.
People erect monuments to honor those who have died young, such as soldiers, athletes, and artists. They may also be erected to mark important dates in history (such as "Freedom Monument" in Richmond, Virginia), or people may choose to build monuments to themselves to show what they were like or what they achieved during their lives.
Some examples of monuments include: mausoleums, cemeteries; monuments, markers, headstones; statues. These are only some of many possibilities.
Memorials and monuments are intended to provide strong statements about the events or people they honor. Each has a unique perspective, interpretation, set of values, or judgements. Memorials tend to be permanent, while monuments are usually constructed for special occasions.
Monuments often serve as landmarks for travelers and help them find their way around a city or region. They can also be found in parks and other public spaces for their aesthetic value. Some monuments have been preserved because of their historical significance while others have been donated by individuals who were not able to return home and lay claim to their final resting place.
Who can build a monument? In North America, this role is usually assigned to a group of people called "monument builders". They are typically members of a military organization such as the Army Corp of Engineers or the Navy SEABees. In some cases, a community group will form a committee to select an individual or individuals to carry out this task. Once selected, the monument builder will work with an architect or designer to create a structure that meets with his/her approval. The builder then contacts an artist or sculptor who is willing to donate her time building a piece for the monument. After completion, the builder deposits the sculpture into a vault or place where it can be maintained safely away from weather conditions and vandalism.