The monuments of Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson are not limited to trafalgar square in london. As a national and indeed international hero, the Scottish are equally grateful for his remarkable maritime valor that so decisively won many world shaping victories that ultimately saved the United Kingdom from Napoleonic invasion and granted Nelson immortal glory. The tower on the right hand side of this photo is the Nelson monument that stands higher than any structure in Edinburgh. It is designed to be shaped like a naval spyglass and after climbing some 170 steps, provides a spectacular panoramic view of the historic Scottish capital city. The planck at the bottom of the monument reads:
"To the memory of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, and of the great victory of Trafalgar, too dearly purchased with his blood, the grateful citizens of Edinburgh have erected this monument: not to express their unavailing sorrow for his death: nor yet to celebrate the matchless glories of his life, but by his noble example to teach their sons to emulate what they admire, and like him, when duty requires, to die for their country"
Indeed Nelson's victories were not purchased without cost: by the time he was killed at Trafalgar, he had already lost an eye and an arm in battle. His final words remain immortal and are hung on a banner from the tower every year on October 21, the anniversary of Trafalgar:
"ENGLAND EXPECTS EVERY MAN TO DUE HIS DUTY".
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