Washington Speaks: Easter flowers

Monday, April 17, 2017

Easter flowers at Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

According to a report last week on WAMU-FM, about a dozen volunteers worked on 86 floral arrangements for the Easter Sunday celebration at the Washington National Cathedral where 5,000 visitors were expected.

Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

President George Washington at Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

President Abraham Lincoln, Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

The inscription on the wall is from President Lincoln's impromptu address to several thousand citizens who gathered in Springfield, Illinois on February 11, 1861 to bid him farewell as Lincoln embarked on his journey to his inauguration in Washington:

My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.

Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

Washington National Cathedral, Easter Day 2017/photo by Patricia Leslie

The copy in the frame for the Pentagon Cross reads:

The cross was presented to Washington National Cathedral by the United States Army Chief of Chaplains in recognition that we are united in memory, freedom, and faith, and in the hope of and love for God, our nation, and all peoples of the earth.

The cross was made by Alvin Neider from fragments of the facade of the Pentagon after the attacks of 11 September 2001.