Samuel Gompers Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Samuel Gompers Memorial
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 Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location in the District of Columbia
Location in the United States
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| Location | Massachusetts Ave., 10th & L Sts. NW, Reservation 69, Washington, District of Columbia |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1933 |
| Architect | Robert Aitken |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| MPS | Memorials in Washington, D.C. |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001054 |
| Added to NRHP | October 11, 2007 |
The Samuel Gompers Memorial is a special statue in Washington, D.C.. It's made of bronze and honors a very important person. This memorial is officially recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.
You can find this statue where 10th Street, L Street, and Massachusetts Avenue meet in Northwest Washington, D.C. It was built to remember Samuel Gompers. He was born in England and became a cigar maker. He was a very important leader for workers in America. He helped create the modern labor movement.
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Who Was Samuel Gompers?
Samuel Gompers (1850–1924) was a key figure in American history. He spent his life working to improve conditions for workers. He believed that workers should have fair pay and safe workplaces. He also thought they should have a voice in their jobs.
Gompers helped start the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886. He was its president for many years. The AFL was a group of different unions. These unions worked together to help workers. Gompers believed in using peaceful ways to make changes. He focused on things like better wages and shorter workdays.
What the Memorial Teaches Us
The Samuel Gompers Memorial has important messages carved into it. These words share Gompers' ideas about how workers and unions should act. They talk about the power of working together. They also explain why it's important to make decisions democratically.
Working Together for Progress
One message on the memorial talks about moving forward. It says that when people work together willingly, they make progress. It warns that trying to force ideas on others can slow things down. Gompers believed that true progress comes from serving others.
The Power of Agreement
Another part of the memorial talks about lasting success. It says that forcing people to do things doesn't lead to good results. Instead, it can break apart what should be united. Gompers thought that unions should discuss things openly. They should keep talking until everyone agrees. This might seem slow, but it builds a stronger future.
Being a Good Citizen and Union Member
A final message on the memorial is for union members. It asks them to keep believing in the goals of the labor movement. It also reminds them to be good citizens. Gompers believed that a union member should support their country. They should also remember their duties to their trade union. This means being a good worker and a good American.
