What makes a Famous Memorial?

Memorials are used as a focus for the memory or the commemoration of something, like a historical person or a tragic event. For war memorials, some memorials make sure that missing soldiers are remembered "along with the accounted-for dead by treating each grave equally." They can either be parks, statues, buildings, or even landmarks. But what exactly makes a memorial?

A famous memorial should most importantly have a purpose. The purpose is what defines the memorial and makes it important to people. They also help remember major events and historical figures. For some people, memorials allow them to remember a loved one that died during a war or to learn more about their culture or heritage from the past. For example, the African Burial Ground is the oldest and largest known excavated burial ground in North America for both free and enslaved Africans. It protects the historic role slavery played in building New York City.

African Burial Ground

Another important aspect of a famous memorial is the location. The location gives a memorial more significance and importance. People can also look around at places near the memorial to understand and maybe get a feeling of what happened and how. Since the location has an importance in history, it only makes sense to place the memorial there. For example, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site is in Kentucky to honor Abraham Lincoln in his birthplace.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

I think all these are important to create a famous memorial. But not all memorials have to be famous, as long as it hold significance and importance to a group of people.