Oscar Straus Memorial facts for kids
The memorial viewed from above (date unknown)
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| Coordinates | 38°53′38″N 77°01′54″W / 38.8938°N 77.0316°W |
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| Location | Washington, D.C. |
| Designer | Adolph Alexander Weinman |
| Type | Memorial |
| Material | Marble |
| Dedicated to | Oscar Straus |
The Oscar S. Straus Memorial in Washington, D.C. is a special monument. It honors Oscar Solomon Straus, who made history as the first Jew to serve in the cabinet of a U.S. president. Oscar Straus was the Secretary of Commerce and Labor for President Theodore Roosevelt from 1906 to 1909.
This memorial is a beautiful marble fountain. You can find it in the Federal Triangle area of Washington, D.C. It is located on 14th Street, between Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue. It stands right in front of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Oscar S. Straus Memorial: A Tribute to a Pioneer
This memorial celebrates the achievements of Oscar Straus. He was an important figure in American history. The memorial was designed by Adolph Alexander Weinman. People donated money to build it, starting in 1929. It was officially dedicated on October 26, 1947.
What the Memorial Looks Like
At the center of the memorial is a large fountain. On the fountain, you can read the words "statesman, author, diplomat." These words describe the many roles Oscar Straus had in his life.
On each side of the fountain, there are two groups of statues. One group is called Justice. The other group is called Reason.
The Meaning Behind the Statues
The Justice statues represent religious freedom. This part of the memorial shows how important it was that a Jewish person could hold such a high position in government. It highlights the idea that everyone should have the freedom to worship as they choose.
The Reason statues represent the ideas of capitalism and labor. These were important areas that Oscar Straus worked on during his time as Secretary of Commerce and Labor. He helped with business and workers' rights.
The memorial was rededicated on October 26, 1998, many years after its first dedication.
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The Justice portion of the memorial which celebrates the "inherent right" to worship.
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Reason
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Reason
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Justice
