Republicans celebrate 'birthday' of Washington Monument

Republicans in Congress were quick to wish the Washington Monument a "happy birthday" on Thursday, celebrating the endurance of the Capitol's monument to former President George Washington. 

The capstone of the Washington Monument was placed on top of the 555-foot monument 128 years ago, on Dec. 6, 1884. The monument has been closed since last August due to damage from the earthquake that rocked Washington, D.C. Although it could remain closed until 2014, it remains a popular tourist attraction and unmissable landmark on the Washington skyline.

Instagram, a mobile photo-sharing service that has recently become popular with members of Congress, encouraged users to share their photos of the monument for America's first president.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) shared a photo on his Flickr stream, and Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio) on his Facebook page.

Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) shared a photo of photographer Theodor Horydczak examining the top of the Washington Monument after the capstone was put in place.

WASHINGTON MONUMENT: 128 years of standing tall - Happy Birthday! kom.io/SJ6lgw

— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPWhip) December 6, 2012

Number of the day: 6. Today on Dec. 6th in 1884, the Washington Monument was completed. 1.usa.gov/uIRcd twitter.com/RepDavid/statu…

— Rep David Schweikert (@RepDavid) December 6, 2012

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