Washington DC Photos

Man I took a lot of pictures.  Here are just a few of some of my favorites.

Arlington National Cemetery.  Easily one of the most powerful places I've ever been.  Since Drew had never been, I was really looking forward to experiencing it with him.  Even though it was my 2nd visit, it was as profound for me this time as the first time I saw it. 


In perfect order.



The eternal flame at the Kennedy grave site.



Washington Monument in the distance



Tomb of the Unknown Soldier



Tomb of the Unknown Soldier



Changing of the Guard.  Incredible precision.  Powerful ceremony.



As far as the eye can see.



Incredible view of the city from Arlington.


Arlington is a pretty heavy place.  We decided a few beers were in order after that and headed toward Capitol Hill to mellow out a little.  On the way, I snagged this shot of the Washington Monument.

Washington Monument.  I love that you can see the slight color change in the stones from when construction stopped and then started again.



Night view of the Washington Monument later that day.

 Our plan was to wait until the sun went down to walk to each of the memorials.  We had seen them all from the street during the day and heard the night views are really spectacular too.

They are.

First stop, the Lincoln Memorial.

Lincoln Memorial



Abe

The view from the Lincoln Memorial across the reflecting pool is spectacular. 



Washington Monument and Capitol Buildling



The Korean War Memorial was next.  This one stops you in your tracks.  It was hard to get a good shot at night, but as Drew described, the simulatneous look of fear and determination on the faces of the statues is heart-stopping.



Korean War Memorial



Love this shot of the American flag on a cloudy night



The Vietnam Wall with all of those lost sketched into the stone.  It seems to go on forever.



Vietnam Wall



Drew at the Vietnam Wall



Our last stop was the World War II Memorial. 



World War II Memorial



Each state and territory from the period is represented with a granite pillar.



World War II Memorial



"Here We Mark The Price of Freedom"
There are 4,000 stars.  Each one represents 100,00 soldiers who gave their lives.



4,000 gold stars and the reflection pool

I've got to admit, we decided to go for another round of drinks after our tour of these memorials, too.  You just can't help but feel a deep sense of patriotism, gratitude and pride.  It's intense.

Really, if you've never been, book a trip now.  You won't regret it.

God Bless the USA.