Rosslyn in Arlington in Arlington County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Song of Thanks
Netherlands Carillon
| | George Washington Memorial Parkway | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
1. A Song of Thanks Marker
From the People of the Netherlands to the People of the United States
During WWII, the US helped liberate the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. After the war, the US helped rebuild European economies. The people of the Netherlands gave Americans this carillon to thank them.
A carillon is a percussion instrument of bells. Each bell in this tower is bronze and inscribed with poetry and emblems. The bells represent various aspects of Dutch society such as art, science, agriculture, the youth of the Netherlands, and more.
When a musician plays, they use a large keyboard of pegs in the top level of the tower. Wires connect each peg to a clapper that strikes a bell. The keyboard of pegs is laid out like a piano keyboard.
The bell that makes the lowest musical note is six feet nine inches wide and weighs 12,654 pounds. The highest note comes from a bell that is eight inches wide and weighs 26.5 pounds.
Erected 2022 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Parks & Recreational Areas • Peace • War, World II. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1960.
Location. 38° 53.3′ N, 77° 4.151′
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Harmony of Friendship (here, next to this marker); "Lest We Forget - We Stand on Your Shoulders" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Place Where Memories Are Made (about 700 feet away); 70,000 Marines Helped Raise That Flag on Iwo Jima (about 700 feet away); Missions Critical (about 700 feet away); A Split Second Made Immortal (about 800 feet away); Battle Honors Unending (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Marines' Fiercest Fighting of World War II (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Other markers no longer nearby. Symbol of Friendship (was here, next to this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Let Freedom Ring (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Modern Liberation (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Harmony of Friendship (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
2. The Netherlands Carillon
Also see . . . Netherlands Carillon. National Park Service (Submitted on June 15, 2026.)
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
3. Netherlands Carillon
Dedication text on the front of the carillon.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
4. Bell Foundry
Text indicating the bells' foundry is on the interior rear wall of the carillon.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
5. Carillon Constructors
Text indicating the carillon's constructors on one of the north pillars.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, May 9, 2026
6. Architect
The carillon's architect is stated on the ear of one of the north pillars.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 4, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
