N A T I O N A L   M O N U M E N T   T O   T H E   F O R E F A T H E R S

Plymouth, Massachusetts

Looking upward, it's hard to ignore the impressive size of the monument's central figure, Faith. The figure attests to the strong belief that having faith in God is of primary importance. These days, it seems like that concept is far less important, especially when looking at the popular American lifestyle of pursuing pleasure over all else. Geeze, that last statement was kinda negative, but, is it true?

The first of the 4 ancillary figures is Morality. The figure depicts a woman holding in her left hand a book inscribed with "GOD" and in her right she holds the scroll of Revelation. At the base of the figure I see two inset carvings, the first is of Moses the Prophet, holding the Ten Commandments, and the other is of an Evangelist writing in a book. From all this I gather that the road to morality is to follow the Ten Commandments and to listen to your preacher?

The next figure promotes the value of Education. Another woman, a draped figure, enthusiastically points to a book, while small figures at her base represent Youth and Wisdom. So, let's see. If you're little and read a book, you will become wise?

Uh oh, here comes the Law. However, with any ordered society, you must have rules and regulations. This figure is a man holding a book. His right hand missing a few digits, however, the first damage I've encountered on the monument so far. Looking under his chair I find the figures of Justice and Mercy.

The last figure is Liberty, as depicted by a helmeted soldier wearing a lion's skin. In his arms he holds a sword and a broken chain. The small figures at the base of his chair are Peace and Tyranny. Peace is a woman holding a horn (broken off) filled with food and drink. Tyranny is represented by the figure of a king laid low by a soldier.