Debre Libanos is a historical site and is considered by many Ethiopians as a necessary pilgrimage. The whole monastery is circled within a deep forest, on top of a large mountain. It's located about 10 miles from my town of Fiche, and right on the border of the Oromo region.

It's one of Ethiopia's many popular tourist attractions, with Christians from all over the globe having visited just to drink the holy water, blessed straight from the neighboring Nile River. Even as a kid, my aunt would send me and my cousin to walk from Feche and back with a gallon each.

Being there brought back so many nostalgic memories of my time there, reuniting with some of my old schoolmates, who without surprise, became devout Deacons. I know not everyone's a fan of religion, but it's seriously shaped my life, and memories like this bring me joy.

(Abiy A.)

The Berlin Wall was the separator between East and West Berlin during the aftermath of WWII in Germany. The wall actively stood from August 13, 1961, to November 9, 1989. The wall we see today is simply the remains of what was once a fortified barrier separating the communist West Berlin from the American-controlled East Berlin. In the aftermath of WWII, both the United States and the Soviet Union wanted a part in reshaping Europe. The Americans wanted to spread Democracy and capitalism and the Soviets wanted to spread Communism. This was what was known as the Cold War. One of the largest symbols of the Cold War in Europe was the Berlin Wall. The wall was built by the German Democratic Republic which was controlled by the Soviets. The wall marked the very dramatic separation of the West from the East. The goal of the wall was to prevent further Western influence in the East as well as prevent citizens who resided in the East from being able to enjoy the freedoms of West Berlin. Over 100,000 people in East Berlin attempted to cross the Berlin Wall into West Berlin throughout the Cold War and around 600 of them were killed. This statistic emphasizes the poor living and economic conditions of communist East Berlin that forced everyone to want to leave. As the wall stood it was clear the Cold War was ongoing and the fight between democracy and communism persisted. When the wall fell in 1989 it was clear the Cold War was over. When the wall fell thousands of people crossed from East to West Berlin. The wall falling was due to the communist party in the East being on the brink of collapse. The fall of the Berlin Wall marked a new world order in Europe that still exists today. 

Photo taken August 2022 in Berlin Germany by Theodore (Thor) Koomey.

(Ava Bengtson)

One of these stories is of Dangerfield Newby– one of John Brown's raiders and the first of his to be killed during the attack on Harper's Ferry on October 16, 1859. Dangerfield spent part of his childhood in the house his father built across the road from this sign.

The second story is about an encounter with Confederate General Robert E. Lee. In July of 1863, Lee passed by this road during the Gettysburg Campaign. Nearby lived eleven-year-old Samuel Browning, who directed Lee's men toward the water. When asked if he knew who had asked him for water, the boy said he didn't, and a man exclaimed "That was Robert E. Lee and don't you ever forget it!"

The final story of the landmark is a battle between the Union Army, led by General George A. Custer, and the Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee. On July 24, 1863, General Custer attacked the Confederate army at this very intersection and on Battle Mountain just above it. Custer's army held the Confederates in check for two hours before escaping back to Amisville. The Confederate army then continued to Culpepper County.

(Samantha Romine)

-Carlos Sarmiento-

History repeats itself, but today is a well-maintained green space along the Four Mile Run. Which includes a stream, forest, pond, and playground. The first time was a field trip from elementary school to see the pond. There were a lot of dragonflies at the time. Also, the second encounter was middle school to walk this Four Mile Run trail that leads to my apartment close by. At first, it was tiring, but nowadays I use that space for exercising. Bikers and runners come along the Four Mile Run to exercise or reach the finish line to see the beautiful stream. 

-Josue Ferrufino

Photo Taken Oct. 4th

(Abdurrahman Saghir)

The land for the Rockefeller Center was leased by John D. Rockefeller, hence the name, on October 1, 1928. While it was only 3 years old, the Rockefeller Center created the rink on Christmas Day in 1936 as a way to attract people to walk down the stairs to the sunken plaza. Supposedly, John D. Rockefeller Jr. was inspired by a Depression-era skate salesman who demonstrated skating on the frozen water in the Rockefeller Plaza fountain. The rink was originally arranged as a limited, promotional exhibit; however, because of its rise in popularity with the support of marketing slogans, it resided as a significant landmark in NYC that brought most recognition and attraction to the Rockefeller Center. Since then, multiple works and boldface names were featured in the skating rink.

Now knowing the history behind the rink, I am even more amused because its meaning to attract people basically worked on me. I hope that the next time I visit, I can take an opportunity to try the skating rink out myself.

- Kristhine Estrella -

Qutab Shah, the Golconda Sultanate's fifth monarch, ordered the construction of the Charminar between 1591 and 1592 CE. A mix of governmental, educational, and religious goals drove its creation. The monument represented Qutab Shahi authority and influence due to its commanding presence and strategic position. The Charminar's constructors' dedication to use long-lasting and regionally accessible materials is seen by the use of granite and Deccan basalt in its construction. The elaborate carvings and ornamental features highlight the Qutab Shahi era's talent and workmanship. The Charminar was used as a mosque for religious services, a court of justice for the administration of justice, and a madrasa for Islamic instruction. It served as a navigational beacon as well as a public area for meetings.

The Charminar is still an important religious and cultural landmark even if its original use as a madrasa and mosque have waned over time. In addition, it is a well-liked tourist site that draws people from all over the world who come to take in Hyderabad's rich architectural legacy. The city's rich background is embodied in the Charminar, which has endured because it unites people from all backgrounds and ages.

- Neelam K. Mohan -

~ Kareem Baltaji ~

Jamestown holds significant historical relevance as it represents the establishment of the first permanent English settlement in North America. First established in 1607 by the Virginia Company of London and chartered by King James I, Jamestown was a crucial stepping stone in the colonization of the New World. This period marked the beginning of English dominance in North America, and the settlement became a symbol of exploration, expansion, and the pursuit of economic opportunities. The culture associated with Jamestown was characterized by the challenges and hardships faced by the early settlers, such as conflicts with the Native Americans and the struggles of survival.

Jamestown was built with materials that were most abundant, such as timber and brick, this illustrates the adaptability and resourcefulness the colonists possessed (shown in the photo of ships built with timber). Jamestown evolved from a struggling outpost into a prosperous and thriving colony. Its function shifted from being primarily a trading post to becoming a center of agriculture and tobacco production. Jamestown was also later abandoned in 1699. The creation of Jamestown and its subsequent developments laid the foundation for the future growth and development of the United States of America.

- Rojeah Said

This palace is huge; inside there are rooms where filming is prohibited, for example, where dishes and kitchen utensils are located. There are also mosques, large gardens, and vast living spaces. The female side and the male side are separated. The architecture and design of this palace are simply perfect. There are also rooms where the important loot brought back by the different sultans is exhibited.

At the age of 12, there was a series that talked about the lives of the sultans of the Ottoman Empire, their lives, their cultures, and their traditions. I was really passionate about this culture, but my mother forbade me to watch this series. When I was 18, I decided to watch the complete four seasons. I have been to Turkey many times, and I had the chance to visit the palace twice with a guide. I highly recommend this place for tourism, which is a true paradise for the eyes and rich in history. The name of the series is Muhteşem Yüzyıl.

The palace was transformed into a museum with the fall of the empire and the formation of the first republican government in 1924.

MABROUKA.A

To her right, the politicians of a new France scramble over each other extending their arms as if to give praise. To her left, the soldiers of the revolution march forward in their solemn duty to defend her. She is Liberty, and she stands tall, fierce, and immortal as the matriarch of The French Republic.

During the days of Rome a hill on the west bank of the Seine River known as Mount Lucotitius was home to the forum of a growing town known as Lutetia. By the late Roman Empire, as the Lutetia grew into Paris the old roman forum became the burial site for Sainte-Geneviève who had beaten back the Huns when they threatened the burgeoning city in 451. In 502 a mere generation after the fall of Western Rome King Clovis constructed The Abbey of Sainte-Geneviève’ on the site of her burial where he and his wife would be buried. The Abbey would remain relatively unchanged for the next millennia but slowly fell into disrepair. In 1744 King Louis XV after surviving a near fatal illness ordered the construction of a new grand church to replace the rotting abbey. This new massive building project was intended to Honor Sainte-Geneviève who had by now been Canonized as the patron saint of Paris.

By 1789, The Church of Sainte-Geneviève was nearing its completion, but not soon enough for it would be that fateful year that the Third Estate who had long toiled under the corruption and cruelty of Frances nobility began a revolution to cast off their monarchs and to live freely not as subjects under a king but as citizens of a nation. It was during this tumultuous time that The Church of Sainte-Geneviève was repurposed by the revolutionaries as a temple for the worship of the national identity of France itself where heroes of modern France would be entombed along with art to venerate the Nation. Skipping over a few brief changes in power The Pantheon as it was now called remained for lack of a better term a temple to the Gods of France, and there was no greater God than Liberty.  In 1921 Liberty would get her own statue in the Pantheon acting as the altar of the nation.

The monument, as described in the first paragraph is the French political identity personified and deified. Liberty functions as not just a concept but as a physical being with morals and intentions. Under her feet etched into the stone is her manifesto in a single phrase: Live Free or Die. While today in America we may associate this saying with Libertarians or conservative nationalists it holds a different meaning in context of the French Republic.

The idea that liberty comes through struggle is fundamental to the French political conscience. Protests, riots and especially strikes are regular occurrences in France and while many Americans and even some other Europeans can be confused as to why the French are willing to start fires and fight police over something as banal as pension reform we must view this from a French lense. It can and in my opinion should be argued that the entire modern history of France is largely defined by French people violently fighting with other French people to build a more just society. All of that is perfectly encapsulated by this statue.

As France along with the rest of the western world head into the future where the fallout of climate change will surely bring forth new injustices both foreign and domestic, we will require a new generation of warriors willing to make a stand in pursuit of freedom even if that means using violence or making the ultimate sacrifice. As long as we know Liberty is looking down on us, we will look up to Her.

Caleb Stern

Gabriel Fuentes

Today, Fort Washington is the property of the National Park Service, which allows visitors most days. I chose this location mainly because of how much Fort Washington resembles 1700s French castles. Fort Washington is in an excellent strategic position against ground forces trying to land on the shore and attack it from the river. Because of its low walls, it does not provide ideal protection but rather a heavy counterfire to any ships along the river. The most interesting thing about Fort Washington is that there is still a working portcullis and small hills along the right side of the Fort that resemble a mini version of a Hobbit hole from the Lord of the Rings.

Asher Minyard

On July 21, 1861, Confederate and Union forces met for the first major battle of the war at Manassas, Virginia. This is known as the first battle of Bull Run to the North because of how close it was to the creek known as Bull Run and the battle of Manassas to the South because of nearby railroad junction used by the Southern armies. A summary of the battle is that Federal forces and Confederate troops met near the Manassas conjunction of the Manassas Gap Railroad and the Orange and Alexandria Railroads. The Federal troops plan was to try and seize the junction to end up denying the Confederate forces the advantages of the railroads which was supply and resupply. However, despite the Federal having more forces of 35,000 to 32,000 the Confederate forces eventually won and forced the Federal troops to retreat to the defenses of Washington D.C  

Tolantio Ganzi

Dalzy Rios Verduguez

Discovery and Choice of Landmark

During a particularly bright spring morning, my daughter and I embarked on a journey to explore the historical heart of our nation, Washington D.C. Our choice to visit the White House, located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, was deliberate – a desire to connect with the past and present of American democracy.

Narrative History and Historical Relevance

The White House, an enduring emblem of the American presidency, anchors itself in the collective consciousness of the nation and the world. This residence, set at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, represents far more than its neoclassical design and physical dimensions; it encapsulates over two hundred years of American history, culture, and ideology. The structure serves as a testament to the Federalist period of the United States, a pivotal era that defined the nation's path towards establishing a strong central government post-Revolution.

The cornerstone of the White House was laid in 1792 after President George Washington signed an act of Congress declaring the location of the new nation's capital. Although Washington oversaw its construction, it was his successor, President John Adams, who first occupied it in 1800. Architect James Hoban's design was selected through a competition, and he drew inspiration from the Leinster House in Dublin and the villas of Andrea Palladio, blending a sense of democratic ideals with architectural grandeur (The White House, n.d.).

The White House has always been more than just the residence of the President; it is a symbol of the office of the Presidency itself. It stands as a signifier of American resilience, having been rebuilt after being set ablaze by British forces in 1814 during the War of 1812—a conflict that reaffirmed America's sovereignty (The White House, n.d.). The choice of sandstone as the building material for the original construction, and its subsequent painting in white to mask fire damage, gives the building a sense of permanence and purity, reflecting the ideals of the young republic.

Policy-making, diplomacy, and government administration have been significant functions the White House has played since its establishment. Every president has their legacy, starting from Thomas Jefferson, who opened it to the public and began the tradition of the public reception, to

Theodore Roosevelt, who officially gave it its name – the White House.

The role of the White House has evolved, mirroring the transformation of the United States from an agrarian society to a global superpower. It has been a venue for significant historical events, such as the signing of pivotal legislation, state funerals, peace treaties, and landmark decisions. During the Civil Rights Movement, it was the backdrop against which Presidents Kennedy and Johnson advocated for civil rights legislation. During times of war and peace, prosperity and recession, the White House has served as a steady guidepost.

The White House has also witnessed a broadening of its cultural significance. It has been a place where diverse cultures have intersected, from state dinners hosting global leaders to celebrations of various American traditions (The White House, n.d.). Its occupants and guests have been as varied as the nation itself, encompassing different races, religions, and backgrounds.

As my daughter and I posed before the White House, behind the black iron fences adorned with security measures, we pondered the countless historical moments that unfolded behind those walls. Each window reflected a story, each door held secrets of state, and the very air around the premises vibrated with the silent hum of historical resonance.

The White House is not just a static building; it is a living museum, a place where history continues to unfold. It symbolizes the American experiment in democracy, a political system whose spirit continues to excite and haunt those walking in the corridors of power. At this point, leaders ponder upon decisions compatible with the values of liberty and democracy in the midst of a global arena.

To my daughter, the White House was the reality of the history she had read about in the school books. It reminded me that history is not only about the past; it is an ongoing creation of the future.

I knew that this would be part of our history, a memory of the day that we touched the heartbeat of American democracy.

References

The White House. (n.d.) The White House Building. https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/the-grounds/the-white-house/

{Carter Gage Baldwin}

- Shante Mitchell -

By: Adal Cheema

• Santos Rosales Reyes