As I get busy working to make my July 30 deadline, I can’t help but think about the wonderful time I had last week visiting Washington D.C.
I was fortunate to be able to take a 2 day trip with both of my children. It was my first time to Washington D.C., and I plan to go back again soon. Though we only had a short amount of time, I feel we covered quite a bit of ground and saw many historical sites. It was such fun being a tourist!
Though several landmarks had us in awe, the National Mall and Memorial Parks commanded an air of respect. The Washington Monument is the world’s tallest obelisk at 554 feet tall. Made of marble, granite and bluestone gneiss, it is also the world’s tallest stone structure. The monument has a fascinating history in and of itself. After seeing the Washington Monument we walked the distance to the Lincoln Memorial, alongside the reflecting pool, with many other people. I don’t know what had me in more awe at the Lincoln Memorial – the 87 steps that one must climb to get to Lincoln or the Lincoln Memorial itself. Sculpted by renown American sculptor Daniel Chester French, the statue is 19 feet tall and carved from 28 blocks of white Georgia marble. Lighting specially installed by French cast a reverent glow around the statue making it an emotional sight.
After spending time at the Lincoln Memorial we headed over to the World War II memorial park. The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who perished and those who supported the war effort from home. This memorial is the only 20th century event that is commemorated on the National Mall’s central axis. The Freedom Wall left me speechless. Located on the west wall with a view of both the reflecting pool and Lincoln Memorial, the setting impacted me greatly. The wall has 4,048 gold stars and each star represents 100 Americans who died in the war. Less truly makes a statement here with the quote in stone that reads “Here we mark the price of freedom”. I can think of no better choice of words for this hallowed memorial. I hope you enjoy these pictures from my trip.
It was a wonderful, inspiring and educational trip. Now it’s time to get back to work.
Wishing you an inspiring Monday!