I feel like the FDR memorial is different, because it's meant to be somewhat interactive, it's commemorating a person's legacy and life, not necessarily a solemn occasion or memory. People still need to use sense and be respectful, but I don't feel like it's inappropriate to be talking and laughing there, whereas that feels just kind of wrong at, say, the Vietnam memorial.
I've of the things that really got me all emotional at hiroshima was that there were families picnicking and playing frisbee. That "life goes on" sentiment was powerful, especially in juxtaposition to the nearby memorial THAT NO ONE WAS CLIMBING ON. And no one WADED IN THE REFLECTION POOL
The reflecting pool is like 95% duck poop. It would be gross to wade in there.
LOL. There was an old nestie who had this swanky black tie wedding at her house (I know, it sounds contradictory, but yeah, it was swanky) and they did their "day after" pictures in DC - and she waded into the reflecting pool. The pictures were gorgeous but she talks about how it was full of duck poop and the pictures from after ( as they were leaving the area) are funny because OMG her dress was so gross. And her shoes.
I remember. Wasn't she a poster here for a time as well? Not emmybean, but something like that? ::shivers at the poo::