• Aerial view of the Parkway in the fall

    George Washington

    Memorial Parkway DC, MD, VA

  • Road Closure Sunday, May 27, 2012 anytime between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Arlington Memorial Bridge and Memorial Circle will be closed for the Rolling Thunder XXV First Amendment Demonstration Run. Please be flexible to increased traffic and potential closures in the area all weekend.

Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd Monument

The Momument is one of a series of memorials that line Memorial Avenue, the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery.

History & Culture 

During his long career as a Naval officer, Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd, Jr. expanded the fields of navigation, aviation, and Arctic exploration. Byrd claimed to lead the first expedition to the North Pole and South Pole by air. Over his lifetime, he received numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor.

Monument

An 8-foot tall bronze sculpture of Robert E. Byrd stands on top of an 4-foot white Carrara marble plinth. Byrd is dressed in fur appropriate for the Arctic and strikes a forward pose to suggest his explorative spirit. The sculptor, Felix de Weldon, also was responsible for the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial located less than a quarter mile away. The Monument also lists Byrd's numerous achievements and awards.

Wreath Laying Ceremonies and Memorial Services

To obtain a permit for a wreath laying ceremony or memorial service, please contact the National Park Service at 703-289-2513.

 
Admiral_Richard_F__Byrd_Monument
Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd Monument
NPS PHOTO

Did You Know?

Lock 1 of the Patowmack Canal

Great Falls Park is the northernmost site of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. One of the nation's first canals can be seen here. More...