2013 Inauguration: Monument Tour

Today was terrific!! Although it was by far the coldest day (with rain, too!), it was one of my favorites since being in the National Capital Region. We left the base around 9AM and were dropped off at the Lincoln Memorial. I cannot remember if I had been here on my previous trip to D.C. back in the summer of my 8th grade graduation. Perhaps I don't recall being there because I was twelve years old and I was more concerned with other things. However, after being here today I am confident that this is a memory that will remain with me. Not simply the Lincoln Memorial but today's trip in its entirety.

After the Lincoln, we walked through the Vietnam Memorial and then proceeded to the World War II Memorial. This was an impressive Memorial even though the water was drained out of the pool. There must be something going on with the water as all the pools were drained and none of the water fountains were functioning. The WWII Memorial made me think of my grandfathers and their services to our country during this war. Each battle and each state was represented proudly. After lunch we headed to the MLK Memorial. It was as if MLK was pushed through a mountain and his statue was standing freely as the proof. Surrounding his monument were some of his famous quotes carved in the walls behind him. Across the body of water he looks out to is the Jefferson Memorial. We did not have time today to walk to it, but it was still a remarkable sight. Several times today, the President's helicopters (all three varieties) flew over in what I am guessing is practice for the Inauguration. It was an awesome sight to see these helicopters buzz these famous landmarks. We spent some time at FDR's Memorial and then walked over to the Korean War Memorial before being picked up again outside Lincoln's Memorial. It was a great walking tour and one that was on my list for sure when I knew I was going on this trip.