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FOUNDATION STATEMENT FOR THE AND AVENUE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK

CONTENTS must be consistent with and contribute to ful- filling the park’s purpose, significance, and Foundations for Planning and Management .... 1 mandates. The National Mall & Memorial Parks ...... 2 • Purpose: The park purpose is the specific Purpose ...... 2 reason that a particular park was estab- Significance...... 4 lished by Congress or the president. State- Fundamental Resources ...... 5 ments of the park’s purpose are grounded Fundamental Values...... 5 in a thorough analysis of the park’s estab- Primary Interpretive Themes...... 5 lishing legislation (or executive order) and Other Important Resources and Values .... 6 legislative history, including studies prior to authorization. Purpose statements may The National Mall...... 6 go beyond a restatement of the law to Purpose ...... 6 document shared assumptions about what Significance...... 7 the law means in terms specific to the park. Fundamental Resources ...... 7 Fundamental Values...... 8 • Significance: Park significance statements Primary Interpretive Themes...... 9 express why the park’s resources and Other Important Resources ...... 9 values are important enough to warrant national park designation. Significance National Historic Park... 9 statements capture the essence of the Purpose ...... 10 park’s importance to our nation’s . Significance...... 10 Statements of the park’s significance Fundamental Resources ...... 11 describe why an area is important within a Fundamental Values...... 11 global, national, regional, and systemwide Primary Interpretive Themes...... 11 context, and they are directly linked to the Other Important Resources ...... 11 purpose of the park. These statements are substantiated by data or consensus, and they reflect the most current scientific or FOUNDATIONS FOR PLANNING AND scholarly inquiry and cultural perceptions, MANAGEMENT which may have changed since the park’s establishment. Defining the park’s signifi- As parks begin planning for their future, it is cance helps to identify the foundations for imperative that everyone has a shared under- planning and values so that managers can standing of what is most important about the make decisions that preserve the resources park, as identified in its purpose, significance, and values for which the park was estab- fundamental resources and values, and primary lished or that are necessary to accomplish interpretive themes. It is also important to the park’s mission. identify the constraints of special mandates on • Fundamental Resources and Values: planning and management. The foundation These are the most important ideas, tangible statement is the first step of the National Park resources, or intangible values to be com- Service’s planning process, and its purpose is to municated to the public about a park and help ensure that planning and management stay that warrant primary consideration during focused on what is most important. All alterna- planning and management because they tives to be considered in the planning process contribute to significance and are critical to

1 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

achieving the park’s purpose. For the Na- this planning effort, such as Ford’s Theater tional Mall plan and other NPS planning, a National Historic Site and numerous circles and fundamental resource and value is one that squares throughout the city containing monu- was specifically sanctioned by Congress in ments, memorials, and , such as those legislation (such as for a memorial or monu- at DuPont, Logan, and circles. ment), an important element or remnant of one of the comprehensive plans (such as the Purpose L’Enfant plan), or an element without which the National Mall or Pennsylvania The purposes of the National Mall & Memorial Avenue National Historic Park would be Parks are to greatly diminished. • Preserve, interpret, and manage federal • Primary Interpretive Themes: These are park lands in the national on the the major messages that visitors to a park land delineated by the L’Enfant plan and should receive during their visit, and they the 1902 Senate Park Improvement Plan connect park resources to relevant ideas, (commonly referred to as the McMillan meanings, concepts, contexts, beliefs, and plan), including green spaces, vistas, values. They support the desired interpre- monuments, memorials, statues, historic tive outcome of increasing visitor under- sites, cultural , and natural and standing and appreciation of the signifi- recreation areas. (Source: L’Enfant and cance of the park’s resources. Primary inter- McMillan plans, Potomac Park 1897 legis- pretive themes are based on the park’s lation, NPS Organic Act, 1933 act trans- purpose and significance. ferring D.C. parks to NPS administration, and other implementing legislation.) • Other Important Resources and Values: Additional resources and values may have • Preserve places where important events in particular importance and warrant special U.S. history occurred (e.g., Ford’s Theater, consideration during general management the , Pennsylvania Avenue). planning, even though they do not con- • Provide opportunities for visitor contem- tribute directly to the purpose and plation, celebration, commemoration, citi- significance of the park. zen participation, recreation, and demon- The above five foundational elements for the stration, where the full expression of the National Mall plan were developed as part of a constitutional rights of speech and peaceful Foundation Workshop for the larger National assembly occur. (Source: DC Circuit Court, Mall & Memorial Parks held in July 2006. Only U.S. Code, and Code of Federal Regulations.) those foundation elements related to the • Maintain space for the symbols and icons National Mall plan are contained in this report. of our nation and its ideals (e.g., equality, freedom, and democracy). (Source: Com- THE NATIONAL MALL & MEMORIAL memorative Works Act as amended, DC PARKS Circuit Court.) • “Washington, D.C. is more than the seat of The first step in developing foundation ele- government and residence of nearly one ments for the National Mall plan is to under- million citizens. It is a second home to stand the purpose and significance of the Na- every American, and the symbol of this tional Mall & Memorial Parks (the area man- nation to the world.” (Source: House aged by the National Mall & Memorial Parks is Congressional Record October 14, 1972, shown on the accompanying map). The Na- p. 36439 related to 1972 Pennsylvania tional Mall & Memorial Parks includes the Avenue Development Corporation Act, National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue Na- Public Law 92-578.) tional Historic Park, as well as sites unrelated to

2 The National Mall & Memorial Parks: Significance

3 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

Significance sewer system and created The National Mall & Memorial Parks are significant because • The National Mall & Memorial Parks preserve the stage upon which historic • The areas under NPS stewardship are events of national significance occurred, some of the oldest public lands in our such as the assassination of at nation, dating from 1791 when the District Ford’s Theater and the “” was established; the L’Enfant plan guided speech of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the the creation and development of park . areas. • The iconography, architecture, and open • Much of the area managed by the Na- spaces within the National Mall & tional Mall & Memorial Parks reflects the Memorial Parks are a source of national physical expression of historic L’Enfant pride and symbolize our cherished values and McMillan plans for the federal city. and ideals, and they commemorate indi- ◦ The L’Enfant plan of the capital viduals and events that symbolize our represents the states as bound together cherished values and ideals: democracy, by the constitutional authority. freedom, justice, compassion, equality, unity, diversity, service, healing, • The areas managed by the National Mall citizenship, civil rights, liberty, service, & Memorial Parks are vital components of dedication, courage, sacrifice, innovation, the historic federal city — the singular unity, and diversity, as well as struggles of designed urban core that from inception the international community for freedom has physically expressed its political role and democracy. A visit to the park sites is as the American national and a pilgrimage to find among the seat of government. principal symbols of America’s heritage. ◦ The park retains the major design fea- • The National Mall & Memorial Parks are tures of the historic plan of Washing- the setting for national celebrations, ton, the sole American example of a parades, festivals, ceremonies, and rallies, comprehensive baroque city plan with a as well as local and regional events. coordinated system of radiating ave- nues, parks, and vistas laid over an • The National Mall & Memorial Parks orthogonal grid, which was both sym- comprise a globally recognized platform bolic and innovative for the new nation. to exercise democratic First Amendment rights. ◦ The 1902 McMillan plan, the first comprehensive plan for modern city • The states within our nation are illustrated development, resulted in the most in: elegant example of City Beautiful ◦ street names and layout from the tenets. L’Enfant plan and successor plans ◦ The McMillan plan conceived ideas for ◦ state stones in the Washington West Potomac Park on the reclaimed Monument Potomac Flats with gardens and spaces for commemoration. (Source: Senate ◦ state listings on the Lincoln Memorial Park Commission Report, sec. 8, p. 32– façade, the World War II Memorial, 33). and the 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence ◦ In the 1870s a major public works project enclosed within the ◦ state flags at Columbus Circle

4 The National Mall & Memorial Parks: Primary Interpretive Themes

• African American personages, history, and Fundamental Values events have taken place or are commemo- rated here (Benjamin Banneker, Pearl • Park aesthetics, which contribute to the Incident, segregation and desegregation, character of the capital city and its , 1963 March of relationship with the people of the United Washington, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., States. Rosa Parks state funeral, headquarters of • Monuments and memorials that honor the National Council of Negro Women). individuals and events and that reflect the • The District of Columbia, as the capital of core values of the country (citizenship, the nation, is an international city that is a freedom, diversity, equality, civil rights, melting pot where many cultures and liberty, service, dedication, courage, languages come together. sacrifice, innovation, unity, emotional healing, and struggles of the international Fundamental Resources community for freedom and democracy). • Citizenship activities, visitor enjoyment, • The landmark L’Enfant and McMillan educational and recreational activities, as plans, which have become preeminent defined by the Constitution, laws, international examples of land use regulations, and judicial rulings. planning and design. • Opportunities for personal or emotional ◦ The plan of the City of Washington was connections to the park. designed in 1791 by Pierre L’Enfant and was mapped the following year by • Public access and ownership and a sense Andrew Ellicott. The L’Enfant plan, a of belonging. 200-year-old plus baroque city plan, has a coordinated system of radiating Primary Interpretive Themes avenues, parks, and vistas laid over a • grid road system. Vistas for the most The national capital belongs to all citizens, part relate to the course of avenues, and it provides citizens a sense of belong- street grid, monuments, and sites ing to a nation. within the parks and the up to • The National Mall & Memorial Parks tell the legal height-limit of Washington, stories about ideas, people, and events that D.C. have changed and guided our nation and ◦ The McMillan plan components called that are commemorated here. out in subsequent law include the • The National Mall & Memorial Parks sites Lincoln Memorial and the Reflecting offer fundamental citizenship experiences Pool, a site for a hero (the Thomas so that all may understand, celebrate, and ), and the Arlington participate in being American. Memorial Bridge. • The National Mall & Memorial Parks • Numerous authorized commemorative provide the stage where constitutional sites, such as Ford’s Theater National rights of speech and peaceful assembly Historic Site, Pershing Park, Freedom find their fullest expression. Plaza, U.S. Navy Memorial, General • The L’Enfant and McMillan plans guided Meade statue, the Mellon , city development. Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Franklin statue, Pulaski statue, General Pershing • The park is a national park, part of the statue. larger national park system of public ownership and stewardship of America’s treasures.

5 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

Other Important Resources and lined in the McMillan plan. (Source: Values L’Enfant and McMillan plans.) • • The river systems surrounding the park Maintain and provide for the use of the are critical to the city’s setting. The National Mall with its public promenades confluence of the Potomac and Anacostia as a completed work of civic art, a designed rivers is at . historic providing extraordinary vistas to symbols of our nation. (Source: • Park roads generally provide scenic driv- L’Enfant and McMillan plans, Commemo- ing experiences and open and unimpeded rative Works Act, as amended.) access across public land in the middle of • the District of Columbia, in accordance Maintain National Mall commemorative with historic plans. works (memorials, monuments, statues, sites, gardens) that honor presidential legacies, distinguished public figures, THE NATIONAL MALL ideas, events, and military and civilian The National Mall stretches from the grounds of sacrifices and contributions. (Source: the U.S. Capitol west to the , and various pieces of authorizing legislation.) from the Memorial north to . It is home to the great symbols of our country — national icons such as the , the Lincoln Memorial, and the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. It also includes memorials to the veterans of Vietnam, the , and World War II, as well as lesser known memorials to American heroes, such as the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, , and . The National Mall also boasts beautiful open spaces such as the , where the blos- soming of thousands of cherry trees her- alds spring. (Note: The and facilities of the and the , as well as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, line the eastern end of the National Mall. They are commonly referred to as being on the National Mall. However, they are not managed by the ).

Purpose The purposes of the National Mall are to • Provide a monumental, dignified, and symbolic setting for the govern- mental structures, museums and national memorials as first delineated by the L’Enfant plan and further out-

6 The National Mall: Fundamental Resources

• Forever retain the West Potomac Park • The National Mall is an inclusive and open section of the National Mall as a public environment where we celebrate our na- park for recreation and enjoyment of the tional identity and important events. The people. (Source: Potomac Park 1897 National Mall, the nation’s foremost civic legislation.) space, is the primary location for political demonstrations, First Amendment activi- • Maintain the National Mall in the heart of ties, rallies, parades, and numerous festi- our nation’s capital as a stage for national vals. Visitors of every race, nationality, and events and a preeminent national civic faith come to the National Mall to cele- space for public gatherings because “it is brate, commemorate, demonstrate, or just here that the constitutional rights of have fun. speech and peaceful assembly find their • The National Mall is a preeminent national fullest expression.” (Source: D.C. Circuit landscape, and its history and appearance Court, U.S. Code, Code of Federal Regula- have been enriched by gifts to the United tions.) States from other countries. It is a combi- • Maintain the National Mall as an area free nation of formal designed areas, such as of commercial advertising while retaining the Mall and the grounds of the Washing- the ability to recognize sponsors. (Sources: ton Monument, and naturalistic areas, , as amended, such as the Tidal Basin and West Potomac NPS Management Policies, and Director’s Park. Various trees and gardens symbolize Orders.) cultural and diplomatic exchanges and gifts from other nations — such as the Significance Japanese cherry trees, pagoda, and lan- tern, and the German-American Friend- The National Mall is significant for the ship Garden. following reasons: • The National Mall is the center of our na- • The National Mall is the home to the endur- tion’s cultural heritage. The National Mall ing symbols of our country. It provides an is surrounded by many of the country’s inspiring setting for memorials, the back- most significant educational and cultural drop for the legislative and executive institutions, including the national branches of our government, as well as a museums of the Smithsonian Institution visual connection between the branches of and the National Gallery of Art, along government, represented by the United with the nearby National Archives, the States Capitol and the House. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, National Mall’s monuments, memorials, and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial statues, and other commemorative works . honor important personages, historical events, and the ideals of democracy. As a Fundamental Resources result, it offers emotional and intellectual connections that affect our national Primary Memorials: perceptions, consciousness, and identity. • Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial • The National Mall is the heart of our • Korean War Veterans Memorial nation’s capital and has endured since the city’s original design by Pierre L’Enfant • Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool over 200 years ago. The form and • Thomas Jefferson Memorial character of our planned national capital still reflect the historic L’Enfant and • Washington Monument McMillan plans. • World War II Memorial

7 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

• Ulysses S. Memorial • The primary east-west cross axis between the Capitol and the Potomac River and • Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “In beyond, planned by L’Enfant and symbol- ” plaque, The Three Servicemen izing potential westward expansion of the statue, Vietnam Women’s Memorial, nation, and the north-south vista from the catalog listing of names listed on the wall, to the Thomas Jefferson the flagpole Memorial Secondary Memorials: • The Washington Monument — a pivotal, • 56 Signers of the Declaration of Inde- central element of most views pendence Memorial (Constitution Plans: Gardens and Lake) • “L’Enfant Plan of the City of Washington” • District of Columbia (1791) Memorial • “Ellicott Plan for the City of Washington • First Air Mail Flight Marker in the Territory of Columbia” (1792) • • McMillan plan (1902) • John Ericcson Memorial • Fundamental Values • Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative • A majestic landscape and a fitting setting Plaque — “I Have a Dream” Speech (steps for the pomp and ceremony of state of the Lincoln Memorial) events, with the symbolism of strength, power, protection, and safety. Park Areas: • A visible connection between the legisla- • Mall (1st/3rd to 14th Streets) tive and executive branches of • and Lake government. • German-American Friendship Garden • Free and open public access, both to the physical space (which belongs to all • Tidal Basin — first cherry tree planting, citizens and is under the stewardship of first planting plaque, inlet bridge, Japanese the National Park Service) and to the lantern, Japanese pagoda, Kutz Bridge, government. outlet bridge, seawall, paddleboat kiosk • The portrayal of our nation’s history in Statues: the monuments and memorials that bear • Arts of Peace — Rock Creek Parkway testimony to the vision of the founding entrance (the complementary fathers, and the struggles and sacrifices of Arts of War is part of extraordinary leaders and ordinary Memorial Parkway) citizens to achieve that vision. Views: • The nation’s premier civic space — a • Hierarchy of internationally recognized venue for First Amendment demonstra- symbolic views and vistas based on the tions, national celebrations, reflection L’Enfant and McMillan plans and contemplation, recreation, and special events; a place to explore values • Key vistas defined or framed by vegeta- and ideas that reflect how Americans see tion, such as the formal rows of American themselves; an area free of commercial on the Mall and along the Lincoln advertising. reflecting pool and the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin

8 The National Mall: Other Important Resources

• The ideas and values symbolized in equality, democracy, freedom, Civil commemorative works — freedom of War, etc.) speech, national union, democracy, ◦ the Lincoln Memorial at the west end courage to fight for ideals, citizenship, of the National Mall and the Grant patriotism, leadership, invention / Memorial at the east end, which physi- innovation, international friendship, cally and symbolically represent the re- justice, unity leading to nationhood, and unification of the nation at the end of the emotional connections that provide the Civil War inspiration and healing. • Land reclamation by the U.S. Army Corps • The physical and symbolic gateway of the of Engineers and the creation of park nation’s capital, which was oriented to the lands for a range of recreational uses west, representing national expansion. • Educational opportunities (museums, Other Important Resources cultural institutions, NPS interpretive programs). • Washington Monument flagpoles, dedication flag, commemorative stones, • The visibility day and night of the plaques, elevation obelisk, Monument National Mall’s architecture and Lodge (tickets / bookstore), Survey Lodge designed landscapes from the sky. (ranger station and information), Sylvan • The contribution of the design and Theater, Bullfinch gateposts architecture to the city’s character, and • Museum collections and/or exhibits landmarks that orient visitors to the city. associated with the memorial sites — • Association with the preeminent names in Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Franklin late 19th and early 20th century landscape Delano Roosevelt, and Vietnam Veterans architecture, including Frederick Law • Character-defining historic site furnish- Olmstead Jr. ings — historic seating (National Mall • Healthy green infrastructure, ecosystems, benches) and lighting (Olmsted plan, and rivers. Washington globe, Twin Twenty and Saratoga lantern streetlights) Primary Interpretive Themes • First Air Mail Flight commemorative stone • The history of our capital and the story of • Lockkeeper’s house for the Washington our nation Canal • The symbolic nature and unique purposes • Fountain at the WWII of civic space in the nation’s capital: Memorial renovated as a central feature ◦ First Amendment freedom of speech • West Potomac Park — Watergate Steps, Constitution Avenue Belvedere, ◦ celebration and patriotism riverfront, and seawall • The National Mall and Reserve Area as a • and walks completed work of civic art • Active recreation space and athletic fields • L’Enfant and McMillan plans for the local workforce, residents, and • Themes directly related to commemora- visitors: tive works: ◦ FDR and Washington Monument ◦ themes common to multiple memorials ballfields (presidential legacies, sacrifice, liberty, ◦ JFK hockey fields

9 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

◦ Lincoln Memorial volleyball courts and sites for nationally significant people or ballfields events. (Source: authorizing legislation, Commemorative Works Act, as amended.) ◦ activities such as bicycling, kite flying, Frisbee, baseball, softball, kickball, • Provide venues to view presidential soccer, touch football Inaugural Parades and accommodate related activities. (Source: Presidential ◦ Tidal Basin paddleboats Inaugural Ceremonies Act.)

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE NATIONAL • “The Avenue functions as a bridge, not as a barrier, between the monumental HISTORIC PARK Federal core to the south and city’s Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park is downtown to the north.” (Source: The America’s grand ceremonial avenue, designed Pennsylvania Avenue Plan 1974, p. 3). to connect the Capitol and the ◦ Transform “the Avenue into an White House. America’s history has marched, attractive and pleasant public place for paraded, promenaded, and protested its way up residents and visitors alike.” and down the avenue, and the nation celebrates the election of a president every four years with ◦ Provide “a mixture of commercial and the Inaugural Parade. Pennsylvania Avenue is cultural activities that will attract a wide more than just another city street, rather it is the variety of people and stimulate street place where the nation comes together to life.” commemorate its tragedies and triumphs. ◦ Maintain “a sense of historic conti- nuity.” Bring “new economic life — jobs, Purpose shopping, and business opportunities.” The purposes of Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park are to Significance • Develop, maintain, and use the ceremonial Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park is avenue in a manner compatible with the significant because L’Enfant plan purpose to visually and • Pennsylvania Avenue provides a national physically connect the legislative and ceremonial avenue designed to physically executive branches of government. connect the legislative and executive (Source: L’Enfant plan.) branches of government. Integral to Pierre • Maintain commemorative works and their L’Enfant’s plan for Washington, D.C., settings; provide future commemorative Pennsylvania Avenue offers vistas of the

10 Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Park: Other Important Resources

United Sates Capitol, and it is the address ful transfer of executive power), other for the White House, which is just to the parades, military functions, and space to west of the national historic park. honor or recognize patriotism, service, and sacrifice. • Pennsylvania Avenue is the centerpiece of a national historic district. As America’s • Symbolic connection between the White main street, Pennsylvania Avenue is na- House and Congress, representing the tionally and internationally recognized as separation and balance of power. the location for Inaugural Parades, state • Unifying architectural character of the funerals, and national celebrations. It is “Beaux Arts” style home to national monuments, memorials, (monumental scale, stone color, and historic sites, and parks. Space is available material) for federal buildings (Archives, for commemorating nationally significant Justice, Commerce, Federal Trade Com- people and events in the future. mission), as proposed by the McMillan • Street names recall the importance of the 13 plan. original colonies. The name for Pennsyl- vania Avenue underscores the importance • Efforts taken by the Pennsylvania Avenue of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to Development Corporation (1972–1996), the creation of our nation. which was established to redevelop the avenue, prepare a plan with coordinated design and street furniture to unify devel- Fundamental Resources opment, foster development, preserve • statue historic buildings, respect the scale of landmarks, provide sign and illumination • Franklin D. Roosevelt stone standards, and include fine arts amenities • — paving illustrates the (Source: Pennsylvania Avenue Plan 1974): L’Enfant plan, along with numerous ◦ spaces for passive recreation, such as quotations related to Washington, D.C. Pershing and John Marshall parks • Grand Army of the Republic Memorial ◦ site for demonstrations and public • General Hancock statue gatherings, such as Freedom Plaza • John Marshall Park / John Marshall statue ◦ sense of place created through vistas, particularly of the U.S. Capitol • General Meade statue • Mellon fountain Primary Interpretive Themes • Navy Memorial / Naval Heritage Center • L’Enfant and McMillan plans for the city and related vistas • Pershing Square / Pershing statue / World War I • Historic preservation • Pulaski statue • Values or stories represented by commemorative works or sites • Temperance fountain • Ceremonial importance Fundamental Values Other Important Resources • Part of the metropolitan circulation system. • Old Post Office (tower tours provided by the National Park Service in accordance • A venue for pomp and ceremony — the with a 1983 agreement with the General Inaugural Parade (representing the peace- Services Administration):

11 FOUNDATION STATEMENT

◦ Bells of Congress, a gift from England • Activities such as tours of embassies and to mark the nation’s Bicentennial the FBI, public performing arts, recrea- tional value “stroll” events, destination ◦ views of the city from the tower visits, concerts, street fairs ◦ key structure in the historic • Unique fountains and streetlight fixtures preservation movement (Washington globes with eagle finials) that ◦ Postal Service history contribute a sense of place • and commerce — • Architectural diversity along the north represented by the Reagan Building, the side of the avenue that contrasts with the Commerce Building, the Federal Trade government buildings to the south Commission, and the Canadian Embassy • Outdoor cafes • Surrounding private facilities that provide • The National Archives — an icon of cultural or historic context — National American history and repository of Theatre; relationship with hotels that have culture and remembrance been important to statesmen and leaders (e.g., the Willard Hotel, where the term • The critical role that efforts to save lobbyist was coined) Pennsylvania Avenue played at the beginning of the national historic • District of Columbia Building — repre- preservation movement sentative of the D.C. government. • Future home for the — the • National ideals inscribed on the facades of museum of news (under construction) many federal buildings

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