Netherlands Carillon - Arlington, VA
Posted by: 
saopaulo1
N 38° 53.293 W 077° 04.135
18S E 320558 N 4306406
Quick Description: A large Carillon by Arlington National Cemetery. The tower was a gift from the Dutch.
Location: Virginia, United States
Date Posted: 5/19/2009 1:05:12 PM
Waymark Code: WM6E1T
Views: 9
Long Description:"The Netherlands Carillon at Arlington National Cemetery was a gift
from the people of the Netherlands to the people of the United
States of America in 1954. The gift was made to thank the United
States for its aid during and after World War II. First installed
at a nearby site in 1954, the 49-bell carillon was moved to the
present tower (designed by Joost Boks) in 1960. A 50th bell was
added following Dutch- and American-sponsored renovations in 1995,
and dedicated on May 5, the 50th anniversary of the liberation of
the Netherlands.
The total weight of the bells is 28 metric tons, the largest
being 5,800 kg. The bells are constructed of a bronze alloy of
approximately four-fifths copper and one-fifth tin. Each bell
carries an emblem signifying a group within Dutch society. The
smallest bells represent the youth of the Netherlands. The verses
cast on the bells were composed by the Dutch poet, Ben van
Eysselsteijn.
The bell tower is an open steel structure reinforced by steel
plates. It is 40 meters tall, with the glass-enclosed playing
console and observatory about 25 meters from the ground. It stands
on a quartzite plaza 93 feet square and is enclosed by a low lava
stone wall. Two bronze lions, designed by Dutch sculptor Paul
Koning, guard the plaza steps. A rectangular staircase leads to an
observatory platform from which a small circular staircase winds up
to the playing cabin.
Thousands of tulips are planted on the surrounding grounds.
Nearby is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial. The carillon
is administered as part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway
complex.
The Netherlands Carillon plays Westminster Chimes on the hour
and plays American patriotic music twice daily. Special songs are
played on May 5 (Dutch Liberation Day), July 4 (U.S. Independence
Day), September 2 (V-J Day), and Thanksgiving Day. Concerts and
recitals are performed on the carillon throughout the summer."
(visit link)