WASHINGTON DC, United States — Flags surrounding the base of the Washington Monument fly at half-mast in the warm glow of late afternoon sun. This solemn display on the National Mall serves as a visual representation of national mourning or remembrance, with the iconic obelisk standing tall in the background.
Photograph by David Coleman. The Washington Monument, standing at 555 feet 5 1/8 inches tall, is the world's tallest stone structure and obelisk. Completed in 1884, it honors George Washington, the first President of the United States and commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. The monument is surrounded by a circle of 50 American flags, representing the 50 states of the Union. When these flags are flown at half-mast, it typically indicates a period of national mourning or remembrance, as ordered by the President of the United States or the Mayor of the District of Columbia. The late afternoon sun, often referred to as the "golden hour" by photographers, casts a warm glow on the scene, highlighting the monument's pale marble against the sky and creating long shadows from the flags. This lighting emphasizes the solemnity and significance of the moment. The Washington Monument's location on the National Mall places it at the heart of the nation's capital, with the US Capitol building to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west, forming a central axis of American democracy and history. The flags at half-mast around this iconic structure create a powerful visual representation of national unity and shared respect during times of collective reflection or grief.
Size: 4032px × 6048px
Location: National Mall, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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