By GREG WALCHER
The headline has become so familiar that few people even notice anymore: Washington Monument Closed Again. The most recognizable structure in the nationâs capital, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually, has also become a symbol of government arrogance. Thatâs because it is closed so frequently it is a laughingstock among tour guides. âWhy have they closed the Washington Monument? Because they can.â
Closing the landmark to visitors has long been a favorite strategy for administrations to pressure Congress into providing more money. It is so common that it has a name in the dictionary: The âWashington Monument Syndrome.â Wikipedia defines it as âa political tactic used ⦠by government agencies when faced with budget cuts ⦠cutting the most visible or appreciated service provided by the government, from popular services such as national parks â¦â
Washington Monument closed until Jan. 24 in wake of Capitol riot
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP
FILE - American flags fly around the Washington Monument Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Washington. The Washington Monument will be closed beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, until Jan. 24, citing threats surrounding Joe Bidenâs inauguration. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
and last updated 2021-01-11 12:46:16-05
Beginning Monday, the Washington Monument will be closed to the public until after President-elect Joe Biden s inauguration in the wake of the Capitol riot that occurred last week.
In a notice, National Mall and Memorial Parks Superintendent Jeffrey P. Reinhold stated that the monument would be temporarily closed until Jan. 24 in response to credible threats to visitors and park resources.