Washington, DC -
Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

My sister and I checked them out. We went on a night tour of the city and were dropped off at Union Station. It was late and quite deserted, so we were able to walk around and look. Unfortunately it was dark, but on three of them we could see definite body parts. The guards were very amused watching us. They knew what we were doing. [Beth Xavier, 11/04/2007]

After reading reports about the soldiers' "packages" being hidden behind those shields, I just had to see for myself whether if they were actually true. I took Mr. Archibald's advice and went down to the end corner of the restaurant and took a glance behind the big shield. To be honest, I was somewhat disappointed since the "package" in question isn't as LARGE as the previous reports would lead you to believe, but it IS pretty obvious from where I was standing. To see for yourself, follow Mr. Archibald's advice and you can get a pretty clear view from there. [Nathaniel Balsley, 09/28/2006]

Just a little more info on the statues of Roman Soldiers that line the ceiling in the main hall of Washington DC's Union Station. When the artist who contributed the soldiers was informed that they would need to cover up their "personal items" with shields," s/he (not sure which) decided to have the last word. If you go into Pizzeria Uno and walk as far into the restaurant as you can, just before entering the kitchen, a glimpse over to the statues which reside above the main hall's entrance is guaranteed to make you chuckle. Looking behind one of the statue's shield, you can't help but notice that he is quite happy to see you, too. [anon., 09/05/1999]

The next time you go to Union Station in Washington D.C., go to the main lobby, look up and you will find a bunch of Roman soldiers standing with some rather large shields in front of them. But change the angle you look at them and you will see why the shields had to be so big...their dingle is dangling. Union Station is a busy Amtrak hub -- if all those tourists would only stop and see the real sights! [Pete Archibald, 08/10/1997]