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Washington, DC: Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

Commuters are oblivious to this secret, but you know where to look...

Union Station

Address:
Columbus Circle NE, Washington, DC
Directions:
Midtown, in the main hall of Union Station, enter Uno's restaurant and go to the last table in the back of the restaurant that overlooks the lobby of Union Station.
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Visitor Tips and News About Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

Roman soldiers.

Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

There are many food options in Union Station. A Shake Shack is right below the soldiers.

[Carolyn T, 08/29/2014]

Roman soldiers.

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]

August 2014: Photo added.

Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

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]
Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

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]
Roman Soldier Modesty Shields

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]

Nearby Offbeat Places

Owney, the Postal Dog MascotOwney, the Postal Dog Mascot, Washington, DC - < 1 mi.
Victims of Communism MemorialVictims of Communism Memorial, Washington, DC - < 1 mi.
Washington Never Slept HereWashington Never Slept Here, Washington, DC - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Giant Water Can, Alexandria, VA - 13 mi.

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