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Standing tall above the sprawl of the District of Columbia, the Washington Monument makes a statement beyond a simple landmark. Why the height, when no other tall structures can dwarf it? Many have wondered why this monument, ostensibly for visitors walking among the cherry trees, is so tall it kinks their necks to take it all in. Not surprisingly, the Washington Monument is a multi-functional structure, designed to serve, at some indeterminate time in the future, as a homing device - here I am, come and rescue me! Within the past century mankind has moved from signaling each other long distance from hilltops with smoke signals or flashes from mirrors to bouncing their message off satellites to spots on the other side of the globe. In the interim have been long distance communications by courier or over the wires, or wireless communication within range. Until the advent of satellites a concern of this political communication hub was being within range during time of war or under conditions of siege. Thus the Washington Monument, a solid structure not easily toppled, was built with more than one purpose in mind.