D-Day and the WWII Memorial

We hadn’t been in to town for the whole week so we decided to go this morning. One thing we know is that aside from cherry blossom season the best and easiest place to park is by the Tidal Basin. Once there you can walk in any direction - to the National Mall, around the Tidal Basin, to the Lincoln Memorial or to downtown and the White House. My husband loves the Constitution Pond area just past the WWII Memorial so that’s where we headed. Before we got to the pond we stopped at the WWII Memorial where it was more active than usual. There were DDay remembrance wreaths placed in the center. Although my parents were not in D-Day they were both in WWII and they are registered on the WWII Memorial site. My dad served twenty one years and was on a destroyer escort doing convoy duty in the engine room across the Atlantic and the Mediterranean; my mom was in the Navy and did varied duties including post office work. They kept meticulous scrapbooks of their experiences. They survived the Great Depression and WWII. Now there are signs that say it’s okay to sit by the pool and put your feet in the water, but it’s disrespectful to walk in it. It is a rather hallowed place after all. And it seemed like most people were following directions. Because it was a bit warmer there were many peddlers selling water and Gatorade. It’s always a pleasant place to meander - and think - from the Lincoln Memorial you can see the WWII Memorial from a different vantage point. We are glad we took this direction today. 

Walkabout the WWII and Lincoln Memorials

Every once in a while we take a morning walk along the tidal basin. There is a great place to park which helps. But rather than always walk around the tidal basin, we walk over to the WWII Memorial. Last week we did just that for the purpose of finding photos for the challenge. The subject was water and there were many opportunities. We particularly like the view looking towards the Capitol in the distance. I always think of my parents when we go there. My dad was in the Coast Guard and my mom was in the Navy during WWII. I can only imagine what and how they would think today about world affairs. After milling about this area we then walk along the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial. It’s about a mile round trip. This time the Rutgers football team was visiting - one hundred plus red shirted people were quite visible including Rutgers police officers. You couldn’t miss them if you tried. The Korean War Memorial was also recently updated with a memorial pool and wall. There is always something to see around here. It’s great for photo ops, a morning walk, or just reminiscing. 

Honor Flight

Both of my parents served in WWII. My mom was in the Navy for two years and my dad was in the Coast Guard for 21 years. Our son was in the Army for twenty one years and was deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan as a cardiac surgeon. This past Saturday we were so happy to see our friends from the Midwest who traveled to DC on an honor flight. The brothers were colleagues of ours and both served during the Viet Nam time period. One was in the Air Force and the other was in the Coast Guard. What better day than Veterans Day to honor them all. It was quite a day for them and their sons who served as their sponsors. We hadn’t seen them since our last trip to the Midwest two years ago so it was a treat to see someone familiar! We met them on a beautiful day at the WWII Memorial, and then walked about the reflecting pool, the Viet Nam Memorial, and back to the Lincoln Memorial. The area was packed with visitors but the veterans stood out in their red and blue jackets. They had a full day of activities that started at 3 in the morning and they arrived back home later in the evening - greeted by their families, marching band, and honor flight participants who cheered them on with a huge thank you and welcome home. We were so glad we were a part of the celebration and appreciate the sacrifices they all made. Everyone knows someone who served in the military. It’s nice to be remembered for it. 

Lincoln Memorial And WWII Memorial

Last week we drove in to town to see the America Remembrance COVID flags art display next to the Washington Monument. It was a simply beautiful day. So we continued our morning walk towards the WWII Memorial. We have been there many times before. The fountain was gushing and it was rather busy compared to the last many months. There was an honor flight group touring the spot. From there, we followed the path by the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial. The ducks were enjoying the water - a perfect place to stay. When we walked up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial we decided to walk around the monument on all four sides. It was a very interesting view from the rear and the sides - especially when we faced the Washington Monument and the Capitol beyond. On the way back to the car we checked out the tidal basin a bit and the annual flower garden. We hadn’t been on that side of the mall for a while. It was very pleasant indeed. 

A Lazy Friday Afternoon Down Independence Avenue

My husband was reading an article somewhere about a guy who lives in DC and can't understand the need to travel - particularly If you live in a city like this. DC has everything, so there was no need to look any further. With that in mind, I thought about it as we were coming home along the George Washington Parkway and crossing over Memorial Bridge by Arlington Cemetery. Our usual route is down Independence Avenue. Looking out on the Potomac was a tourist boat streaming down the river. The Washington Monument stands out against the crisp blue sky with all the earthquake damage scaffolding removed. I'm always looking for a wedding party at the WWI Memorial, and sure enough there was an event taking place there. The ever changing floral Library was just planted for the summer season. The newest addition to the grand Smithsonian Museums is making progress up on Constitution - four stories above ground are now visible. The 1879 National Museum restoration project is now complete, but unfortunately there is nothing going on inside. Imagine what did go on in 1879! The familiar street vendors are lined up all along the Avenue, and the hop on and hop off tour buses are everywhere. Since we moved here a lot of this feels all too familiar, and even annoying depending on the time of the year. But you really have to agree somewhat with what the man was saying about not needing to travel. All this activity and known national landmarks were seen on just one street in the city. Who needs a suitcase? Just step outside.