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.
It sounds like you made it out of there without any red light, speed camera or parking tickets. Congratulations, the chances of that these days are quite remote. I live only 45 minutes away and don’t go in unless absolutely necessary.
Very nice. My cousin lives in DC and we visit every couple years.
The prosperity there is astounding compared to the rest of the country. Her house SHOULD be worth about 1/2 of mine and she paid 3 times as much.
He very well might not know for 2-3 weeks...or longer. DC Commuter Tax assessments sometimes take weeks to process.
All the boys have 1000 dollar suits, and the girls 400 dollar shoes, handbags, and dresses.
Our tax dollars provide a very high standard of living for the drones of the ruling elite.
Can you frame them for souvenirs (assuming you live in a different state) or do they append them to your IRS federal tax bill?
He very well might not know for 2-3 weeks...or longer. DC Commuter Tax assessments sometimes take weeks to process.
We only did the Metro. After a few days we were Metro competent, even doing transfers. Woohoo.
Funny in a way. Spoke to a guy here in KY who took his kids to D.C. for Spring Break. We also talked about the kids and their doings in Florida during spring break. I spent part of my honeymoon in 81 there and toured Mt. Vernon and the part of Williamstown they had finished. Also Monticello. Traveled the eastern seaboard from Key West to Delaware. Enjoyed the trip. Also went to the Norfolk Maritime Museum.
Not to worry, they made for some beautiful pics to steal....lol. Wonderful write-up. Mrs. liberty and I went there for our honeymoon plus a second whole trip. Really enjoyed it, and am more than happy to steal your pics. :^)
Really enjoyed the pictures - great shots especially the one of the White House.... If they can be reduced in size by a freeper or moderator, they would be worth printing for framing...
Thanks for sharing. I was there on my senior trip in 1954...big difference seeing all of this at the age of 17-18 and at a more mature age. Always thought I’d get back but not to be.
Same here. We lived there for 23 years...moved away 4 years ago. However, my uncle went on an honor flight yesterday and had a wonderful time. I might go back someday, but for now I’m enjoying the country life. I miss it only sometimes.
Also, I noticed a lot of the kids going through didn't really seem to appreciate the magnitude of what they were seeing. Youth. . At least they were exposed to it and may come back when they're older.
We “lived” there for 30+ years, leaving 2 years ago. I’ll never look back. There’s that old saying...In WDC if you want a friend, get a dog.” Still true...too many political psychopaths there for us. They should be in prison.
I've lived "right next door" my whole life so it's easy to take for granted, but it's always nice to see things through fresh eyes. It's wonderful you got to Mt. Vernon, probably one of the best historical sights in the country (non-govt run, too!)
The free use of Other People’s Money now means that “public service” provides BOTH higher pay and higher job security than most jobs in the non-federal sector. The rest of us are being “serviced” in the wrong orifice.
Interesting. .
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