Monuments and Memorials

We arrived in Washington around mid-day. That meant that we could fill our fuel tanks, pump out the holding tank and add fresh water. It was hot enough that once we then tied up at our slip, we plugged into shore power and turned on the air conditioning. Life is hard! We had an early supper because we had a tour of Washington's many iconic statues and monuments set to start just after dark.

Albino Squirrel

No, this is not a statue. It is an albino squirrel and it is real. We saw it as we walked from the marina up 7th Street SW to Pennsylvania Avenue to meet the tour guide.

Now, here's an iconic monument:

The sun is right behind the Washington Monument. Turning around, in the setting sun's pink light, is the Capitol.

We got on the bus and it was a three-hour whirlwind on stops by the most important monuments.

Where Lincoln Was Shot

We drove through downtown streets, passing Ford's Theatre on our way to the Capitol.

Back on the bus, past the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art where we could see the rooster shadow on the roof deck. (The East Wing houses the modern art.)

Then a stop at the White House.

The White House with the New Flag Pole in the Front

On to the World War II Monument.

The View from the Pacific Theatre Entrance

And a quote from President Truman.

The next stop was the Jefferson Monument.

Followed by the MLK, Jr Memorial, with King looking at Jefferson acknowledging that Jefferson never released his slaves, even at death.

The Lincoln Monument is a fitting sequel, together with its Gettysburg Address.

The US Marine Corps War Memorial (and Arlington Cemetary) are next:

Finally, there is the Vietnam War Memorial, which appropriately escapes adequate capture on film. Just beyond the Vietnam War Memorial is the memorial for the Korean War. At night, it takes on other-worldly dimensions.

On the wall behind these solitary statues is a wall of engraved images.

and

That is where the tour ended, three hours later. It was an emotional roller-coaster of ups and downs, of inspiration and uplift and sadness and discouragement. If there might be a conclusion drawn, it would be that we seem to be at war a lot. Yes, our servicemen and servicewomen must be honored.

Many of the wars helped rid the world of evil. But if peacemakers are blessed, please, Lord, may we have more peacemakers.

And what form might a memorial to such peacemakers take?

Tomorrow, we board a tour boat to go back down the Potomac to Mount Vernon.

Cheers,

Brio