"Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people."
Proverbs 14:34
Since we were already in Maryland and since Sara and Allison had never been, we decided to take a day trip over to Washington D.C.. We were told to get there early in order to get a parking spot. Mind you, that wasn't to ensure a good parking place -- that was just to get one at all.
With the help of several maps we finally got to the Washington Monument. The first thing on our agenda was to pick up tickets to go up.
As we drove past trying to find a parking spot, we saw the White House,
but we also noticed all sorts of people standing around along the sidewalk below the monument. What in the world was going on???? Was there a special event that we didn't know about? We thought about stopping to ask someone, but were glad we didn't when we found out it was the line waiting to get the tickets and that we were soon to join them.
They didn't open the office until 8:30 so we waited and waited and WAITED. Once they opened, the line really never seemed to shorten. It was growing as fast as they could hand the tickets out. By the time we got to the ticket window, the only times they had were anywhere from 4:30 to 9:00 PM.
This was just the beginnings of the line behind us when we were about 2/3 of the way there.
You can see the Washington Monument from just about anywhere in D.C.
Hmmmm......now to figure out exactly where we want to go from here and exactly how we're supposed to get there. Maps are helpful, but only if you have them turned the right way. : )
The WWII memorial was beautiful with its fountains and pools. Each pillar had a state inscribed on it.
And then we were on our way to the Lincoln Memorial.
Between the WWII memorial and the Lincoln Memorial lies the Reflection Pool.
This is home to ducks and geese galore. (Watch your step!) : )
By the time we got here we were ready for a rest! It really doesn't seem far because there isn't really any variety in the scenery, but it sure will wear you out!
Looking at the Pool from one direction it reflects the Lincoln Memorial and from the other direction it reflects the Washington Monument.
The steps were soooooo steep and sooooooo many! Such a beautiful and stately piece of architecture.......definitely suited to honor a man of such integrity!
This view really shows how "close" everything is. This picture is taken from the Lincoln Memorial. There is the Reflection Pool, the WWII memorial, the Washington Monument, and just beyond that is the Capitol Building.
After touring the Lincoln Memorial, there was a unanimous vote to go to Arlington National Cemetery.
We decided to give up our precious parking place and drive over. Smart choice! We had understood that it was a 20 minute walk over to the cemetery, but, in reality, it was a 20 minute walk once we got to the cemetery.
We walked a paved path through acres and acres of tombstones. One would have to be deemed heartless if he did not come away with a greater sense of gratitude toward those who have given and are giving their lives and service for their country.......for our freedom.
It was a good thing they had benches at the base of the path leading up to the amphitheater. We sure did need them! : )
One main attraction was the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This takes place every half hour.
The guards are so disciplined and precise in every movement. There is a narrow path worn where they constantly pace back and forth with somewhat larger round spaces where they turn and click their heels. What devotion! Day after day they faithfully show up at their post to guard the tomb.
~~~~~~~~~~~~The Changing of the Guards~~~~~~~~~~~~
Directly behind the Tomb is the amphitheater.
We then went in search of Kennedy's grave. This was definitely where it helped to have the map turned the right direction. It was as if we were in a maze with no sense of direction at all. After taking what was thought to be the easier path but which turned out to be much steeper than the other way, we finally made it to the grave with the much acclaimed eternal flame. There was Kennedy's grave along with his wife and two of his children.
Are you worn out yet???
By the time we got back to our van it was well into the afternoon, and we were ready for some lunch! We ventured out into the real part of D.C. in search of some food and a parking place. There were some very interesting sights to see that made us, oh! so glad that we didn't live in the big city! It took us quite a while to accomplish such a simple thing as get some lunch, so by the time we got back to the monuments and took another 30 minutes to find a parking place, it was time for our 4:30 appointment at the Washington Monument.
At the top, you can see for miles and miles. You also get a good look at all the monuments, memorials, and state buildings. This is the Capitol Building.....
The White House.....
The WWII Memorial, Reflection Pool, and Lincoln Memorial....
The Jefferson Memorial.....
and the Pentagon. (It is the building right after the body of water. It seems almost camouflage. It really is not any easier to see with the naked eye.)
This is Daddy after a day of rubbing shoulders with all those crazy city folk.
One more stop.....and this is at the Jefferson Memorial.
The architecture at each monument and memorial was so grand and stately!
What a day! And to think we hadn't even seen the half of it! Maybe next time we'll get to tour the White House........ : )
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"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14
