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Welcome to The Washington D.C. Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Frances Tiafoe endures another three-set battle to advance to D.C. Open quarterfinals.

• Upcoming Washington Nationals match

• A deep-dive into the life of John Wesley Powell

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.” 

–Confucius

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Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the Washington DC memorial that features 19 stainless steel statues representing soldiers from the Korean War?

A) The World War II Memorial

B) The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

C) The Korean War Veterans Memorial

D) The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The area in Washington DC known for its waterfront dining, recreational activities, and recently developed Wharf district is C) Southwest Waterfront

News

💼Business

The owner of Matchbox, Hen Quarter hatches plan to dominate local restaurant scene. (Link)

New legal snag threatens to further delay proposed Ward 7 Giant-anchored redevelopment. (Link)

🏒Sports

Taiwan boxer who failed sex test defeats female competitor in Olympic boxing. (Link)

Frances Tiafoe endures another three-set battle to advance to D.C. Open quarterfinals. (Link)

🏦Finance

33 workers taken to N. Va. hospitals after ammonia leak at Cuisine Solutions facility. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports Events

⚾ San Francisco Giants at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Monday, August 5 to Thursday, August 8, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Los Angeles Angels at Washington Nationals
Nationals Park, Washington, DC
Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Concerts

🎵 ATEEZ
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Black Eyed Peas
The Anthem, Washington, DC
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | (More info)

Family-Friendly Events

🎨 IN-GALLERY | Portrait Gallery Kids
800 G Street Northwest, Washington, DC
Monday, August 5, 2024 | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Washington DC with a complex system of waterways and canals” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Washington D.C. Historical Events

Korean War Veterans Memorial Dedication (1995) - Honors those who served in the Korean War.

The Korean War Veterans Memorial, dedicated on July 27, 1995, in Washington D.C., stands as a profound tribute to the valiant souls who served during the Korean War, often referred to as The Forgotten War. This dedication ceremony, held on the 42nd anniversary of the armistice that ended the hostilities in Korea in 1953, was an emotive and solemn occasion, attended by thousands, including numerous Korean War veterans, their families, as well as several dignitaries and officials from the United States and South Korea. The memorial's unveiling was a significant acknowledgment of the sacrifices and challenges faced by those who served in a conflict that had not received the same level of public recognition as other major twentieth-century American wars.

Located near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, the site features 19 stainless steel statues designed by sculptor Frank Gaylord, representing a squad on patrol and drawn from branches of the Armed Forces that participated in the war. These figures, hauntingly realistic, move through a landscape dotted with juniper bushes and a polished black granite wall, etched with images of soldiers, equipment, and support personnel, reinforcing the notion of collective effort and sacrifice. The mural wall works in concert with the statues to create a narrative of duty, honor, and country, reflecting the diverse faces of those who served.

The dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in 1995 marked a crucial step in the nation's journey toward recognizing all its veterans' bravery and contributions. It serves not only as a monument to the past but also as an enduring lesson on the costs of freedom and the valor of those who step up to defend it. The memorial ensures that the narratives of those who fought and those who were lost are preserved within the nation's collective memory, ensuring that the sacrifices of the Korean War veterans are remembered and honored for generations to come.

Famous People From Washington D.C.

John Wesley Powell (1834–1902)

John Wesley Powell, a name synonymous with adventure and the rigorous study of the American West, was an esteemed geologist, explorer, and leader in the promotion of science and knowledge. His life was a testament to human resilience, intellectual curiosity, and a profound commitment to exploring and preserving the natural world.

Early Years and Education (1834–1856)

Born in Mount Morris, New York, in 1834, Powell grew up with a deep fascination for nature, nurtured by his exploration of the woods and rivers of the rural United States. Overcoming a lack of formal education in his early years, he adopted a self-taught approach, showing an avid interest in natural science. This autodidactic zeal propelled him toward a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, fundamentally shaping his approach to scientific inquiry.

The Call of the West and Civil War Service (1856–1865)

Driven by an insatiable curiosity about the natural world, Powell moved westward in his early twenties, initially teaching in rural Illinois schools where he further developed his self-taught knowledge in geology and natural sciences. His life took a dramatic turn with the outbreak of the Civil War, during which he served in the Union Army. Notably, Powell lost his right arm at the Battle of Shiloh, but this did not deter his adventurous spirit.

Exploration of the Colorado River (1869)

The post-war period marked the beginning of Powell’s most famous venture — the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition. This daring journey into uncharted territory aimed to explore and chart the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. Despite facing immense dangers, including treacherous rapids and the threat of running out of supplies, Powell and his team achieved a monumental feat. They were the first to document and navigate through the Grand Canyon, providing invaluable geological insights and mapping one of the last unexplored territories in the United States.

Founding of Institutions and Scientific Contributions (1870–1880)

Powell’s successful expedition catapulted him into the national spotlight, empowering him to advocate for the systematic study of the American West. He played instrumental roles in the founding of key scientific institutions, notably the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and contributed to the establishment of the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution, focusing on the study and preservation of Native American culture and languages.

Connection to Washington DC (1881–1894)

Powell's significant scientific contributions and leadership within the field of geology led him to direct major cultural and scientific institutions in Washington DC. As the second Director of the USGS and the Director of the Bureau of Ethnology, his work had a profound impact on the development of American science. In these roles, Powell advocated for policies promoting conservation and rational land use, laying the groundwork for environmental and resource management practices in the United States.

Advocacy for Conservation and Ethnology (1895–1902)

In his final years, Powell continued to champion the causes of conservation and ethnology. Recognized as a forward thinker, he warned about the dangers of unsustainable land and water usage, particularly in the arid regions of the West. Powell's advocacy for systematic and sustainable approaches to land management echoed through the development of policies in the 20th century, underscoring his lasting influence on environmental stewardship and the conservation movement.

Legacy and Final Years (1902)

Powell passed away in 1902, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of American exploration, science, and conservation. His work not only contributed to our understanding of the American West but also to the fields of geology, ethnology, and environmental science. His keen observations, detailed records, and passionate advocacy laid the groundwork for future generations to appreciate and preserve the natural beauty and resources of the United States.

Key Achievements of John Wesley Powell:

• Led the first American expedition to successfully navigate and document the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon in 1869.

• Played a pivotal role in the founding of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Ethnology at the Smithsonian Institution.

• Advocated for the conservation of the American West and the rational management of its land and water resources.

• Directed major scientific and cultural institutions in Washington DC, contributing to the growth of American scientific scholarship and policy.

• Pioneered studies and preservation efforts of Native American culture and languages.

John Wesley Powell was a true pioneer, whose adventurous spirit and commitment to the sciences enriched our understanding of the natural world and the cultural heritage of the American West. His expeditions and leadership in founding key scientific institutions laid the groundwork for modern environmental science, conservation, and policy. Powell's life and work remain a beacon of inspiration for explorers, scientists, and conservationists.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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