This memorial may be hidden partially because it's been dedicated within the last decade and partially because it's quite literally underfoot. The Extra Mile is a pathway of bronze medallions honoring citizens who have made a particularly strong impact in regards to serving their community and the forwarding the greater good. It's also called the Points of Light Volunteer Pathway, since that organization handled the pathway's planning and development. There are currently thirty-three medallions, but when the memorial was dedicated in 2005, there were only twenty. In fact, the path, which currently heads north from the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 15th Street NW and turns right at G Street, is meant to eventually finish right where it starts. As such, more honorees will continue to be chosen. Currently, there are several familiar faces on the Extra Mile such as Clara Barton, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Frederick Douglass. However, there are also some less familiar names. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics has a medallion, as does long time Boys & Girls Club of America President, William Edwin Hall and conservationist John Muir. Check out the gallery above for photos of several of those honored with a bronze bas-relief likeness on the sidewalks of downtown D.C.
· The Extra Mile [Wikipedia]
· Points of Light [Official Site]
· All Hidden Memorials [CDC]
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