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Washington Monument Reopens Three Years After Earthquake

The sun begins to rise behind the U.S. Capitol and The Washington Monument, September 30, 2013 in Washington, DC. Negotiation's are ongoing in Congress between the House and Senate about funding the government to avoid a shutdown at midnight on October 1.
Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images

The Washington Monument will open for tours again on Monday for the first time since the memorial was damaged in a 5.8-magnitude earthquake in August 2011. More than 150 cracks have been repaired, rainwater leaks have been sealed, and new exhibits have been installed, thanks in part to Carlyle Group co-CEO David Rubenstein, who paid for half of the $15 million project. “It became clear to me that the Washington Monument symbolizes many things for our country — the freedoms, patriotism, George Washington, leadership,” the billionaire said on Sunday. “So it’s been moving to see how many people are affected by it.” He tactfully omitted the one thing it symbolizes for most Americans.

Washington Monument Reopens After Earthquake