The only statue in DC that had any effect on me at all, was the Lincoln Monument. It is awe inspiring, and the quotes on the walls are poignant even today. Every other statue was devoid of context or message. Which Roosevelt was it in a wheelchair? Which one implemented the New Deal? Which one didn't shoot a bear? No idea. Just more men on pedestals, devoid of valuable information or context. But I was moved to tears at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (As I was at the 9/11 memorial in NYC, too.) The grave of the Unknown Soldier is a powerful monument with a gravity and apparent purpose that inspires visitors to speak in a whispered hush. THAT's good statuary/art/monumenting; the message is apparent and powerful, regardless of the era it is viewed in, or the people involved.