Washington, DC - Titanic Memorial

This imposing statue is quite a marvel, towering high above all those who visit. Although simplistic in design, the message etched on the pedestal is quite touching. [Nathaniel Balsley, 04/12/2007]

It's an imposing statue on the Waterfront, off Maine Ave in SW Washington. Sculpted by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, it was built in the 1930s from donations by some wealthy socialites. The delay in building was due to controversy - the rich wanted to honor their own who died in the sinking, and nobody else. James Cameron must have visited the monument a few years ago because a famous scene from his "Titanic" movie has Kate Winslet copying the pose of the statue: stand up straight, arms stretched out! Every April, a group of local men dress up in tuxes, have an expensive dinner and visit the memorial for a ritual. [Lori Murray Sampson, 04/03/1999]