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| CATEGORIES ABOUT NETHERLANDS CARILLON | |
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| arlington national cemetery | |
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The Netherlands Carillon at Arlington National Cemetery was a gift from the people of the Netherlands to the people of the United States Of America in 1954 . The gift was made to thank the United States for its aid during and after World War II . First installed at a nearby site in 1954 , the 49-bell Carillon was moved to the present tower (designed by Joost Boks ) in 1960 . A 50th bell was added following Dutch- and American-sponsored renovations in 1995 , and dedicated on May 5 , the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands. The total weight of the bells is 28 metric tons, the largest being 5,800 Kg . The bells are constructed of a Bronze alloy of approximately four-fifths Copper and one-fifth Tin . Each bell carries an emblem signifying a group within Dutch society. The smallest bells represent the youth of the Netherlands. The verses cast on the bells were composed by the Dutch poet, Ben Van Eysselsteijn . The bell tower is an open steel structure reinforced by steel plates. It is 40 meters tall, with the glass-enclosed playing console and observatory about 25 meters from the ground. It stands on a quartzite plaza 93 feet square and is enclosed by a low lava stone wall. Two bronze lions, designed by Dutch sculptor Paul Koning , guard the plaza steps. A rectangular staircase leads to an observatory platform from which a small circular staircase winds up to the playing cabin. Thousands of Tulip s are planted on the surrounding grounds. Nearby is the United States Marine Corps War Memorial . The carillon is part of the George Washington Memorial Parkway . The Netherlands Carillon plays '' Westminster Chimes '' on the hour and plays American patriotic music twice daily. Special songs are played on May 5 ( Dutch Liberation Day ), July 4 ( U.S. Independence Day ), September 2 ( V-J Day ), and Thanksgiving Day . Concerts and recitals are performed on the carillon throughout the summer. ''See also:'' Carillon EXTERNAL LINKS |
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