Posted on 04/06/2014 3:46:06 PM PDT by Art in Idaho
Was fantastic! It was very humbling in lots of respects but awe inspiring. Was first trip for me, second for my wife. Saw as much as we could in one week so thought I would share the highlights. Saw the Smithsonian Museum of American History on the first day. An absolute treasure trove of information and exhibits. American History Museum Welcome Video plus American History Museum interior photos plus The Star Spangled Banner.
Then to The National Cathedral. A truly awesome sight plus a memorable service.
Then had brunch with our nephew at Ted’s Bulletin. A fun place.
The Holocaust Museum was griping. When you go in you pick a card of a person who was ‘there.’ My wife’s person survived. My 4 year old from Hungary did not.
The Air and Space Museum was overwhelming with all the displays. At least a two dayer, but we were there only a few hours.
Next to the National Museum of the American Indian. They were having Cherokee Days when we toured. Interesting and many artifacts.
Washington’s Monument is a sight to behold. Five things you may not know about Washington’s Monument.
Arlington Cemetery is stunning, humbling and massive. Over 400,000 servicemen buried there. They have 27 funerals a day there on the average. I didn’t know it was run by the US Army. Images from Arlington. We were lucky enough to see the The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This is truly a you are there video and exactly what we saw.
The Iwo Jima Memorial was very impressive. More photos of the Memorial.
Next was The Wall. I was worried how I was going to react as I had one relative and several school buddies there. I steeled myself as I didn’t want to lose it. I found myself kneeling at the names and putting my fist on the names and having a few moments. Memorable. The Wall photos.
On to The World War II Memorial. I lost an uncle at Leyte, so was a moving experience. WW II Memorial photos. I couldn’t help remembering the guys carrying the Barrycades to the White House. That is quite a walk.
The Korean War Memorial was interesting. Sculptures of guys in the field plus a masterfully done granite wall with etchings throughout.
The Lincoln Memorial Magnificent.
One of my favorites, The Jefferson Memorial.
On the wall inside is one of my favorite passages:
More Jefferson Memorial photos.
Photos from The National Mall. The Reflecting Pool photos.
The Mount Vernon trip was quite an education. We took a boat trip down the Potomac to Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon was quite an agricultural operation. Up to 300 crops, two fishing operations and lots of critters. Didn’t know it was so big. Washington must have been quiet the ‘command presence’ type of guy. Thank God for him. The museum there was fantastic though we didn’t have enough time there. Did you know that when Washington was a young man fighting in a battle during the French and Indian wars he had two horses shot out from under him and four bullet holes in his uniform? Also, a quote from Marquis de Chastellux, in his journal, November 26, 1780, “. . It is the General himself who breaks in all his own horses; and he is a very excellent and bold horseman, leaping the highest fences and going extremely quick.” Mount Vernon Potomac Tour photos. Also, Day Cruise to Mount Vernon.
Grass seeding time at Mount Vernon:
It was amazing to actually see The Constitution and Declaration of Independence at The National Archives. I was surprised The Constitution was so big, four sheets under glass about 3 x 1 ft in size. Quite an experience to see the real We the People staring at you. Lots of other things to see there too. Another two dayer at a minimum, but we at least got an afternoon in. Photos from the National Archives.
The Capitol was another ‘Oh My’ when you see it for the first time. The visitor center and tour was fantastic though it was quite crowded with Spring break kids and lots of other tourists. As an aside, we must have heard at least ten different languages during our week in DC. Capitol photos.
We had lunch at a Belgian Bistro called Le Pain Quotidian. A fun place where everyone sits around large tables. Heard three languages there. Washington DC certainly has an ‘energy’ about it. The chocolate mousse was the best I’ve ever had.
We just missed the Cherry Blossoms. They’re coming out next week.
The award for the biggest surprise sleeper of the trip was The Library of Congress. Truly the most beautiful building I have ever seen. The tour was fantastic and the décor and architecture was another ‘Oh My.’ Almost too much to take in. Check out these beautiful photos: Library of Congress interior photos. Breathtaking to say the least. Another two dayer done in a few hours. .
Ford’s Theatre was interesting. Tour plus a short play. A weird feeling looking at the balcony where Lincoln was shot. They also have a nice exhibition.
Didn’t make it to the White House but did get a photo:
We didn’t make it to the Hirshhorn Museum or Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Just ran out of time. Will see them next time.
If you haven’t been to Washington DC, we highly recommend it. It’s a real education and a marvelous time. By the way, everyone was courteous, nice and helpful with our many pathetic questions. We even mastered the Metro!
My overall takeaway from the trip? Many generations worked tirelessly to form our Constitutional Republic. Many generations fought and died to defend our freedoms. We now bear the awesome responsibility to do what we can to defend and restore it. On the way home I thought of Washington’s speech to the troops before the battle of Long Island, August 26, 1776:
I'll close with a photo of the daffodils. They were blooming all over DC.
We went two years ago to most of the places you went to. Your pictures bring back memories! Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome. We had a great time. Want to go back.
One of the great things about Washington is that all the federal buildings look as if they were built for the ages, with optimism that this great country will live forever.
As they build more and more and more of them, however, it is sucking the life out of the very country they’re intended to support. Sad irony.
Very nice, Art...wonderful report. I’ve been to maybe one-half of the sites you listed and your report wants me to return. My sister lives about an hour northeast of Wash DC and we haven’t visited since my Mom’s funeral several years ago.
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Which reminds me ... I saw Captain America: The Winter Soldier Saturday evening in the awesome Cine Capri theater in Tempe. Great take on how our own government has become a threat to the freedom it was founded on.
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Great pics!
You missed the NRA museum. OK not in Wash DC, but nearby.
The national portrait gallery and the national art gallery are nice. Especially the portrait gallery.
Adding Admin to the thread.
when they said you are all thumbs you failed but must have excelled at art
Been there, done that, back around 1980, when my wife at the time was showing her Montessori materials at a convention.
We did the Whitehouse tour then, but I could not now set foot in what is now the stinkhouse. Everyone should visit DC at least one time.
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