Day three left us proud to be Americans and reflective of all the great American before us that sacrificed.
We started our day at the Pentagon, this building is absolutely enormous. The subway comes right up to it and after a sizable walk we were standing at the Memorial of the tragedy on September 11. Looking at the vast building you really get an understanding of how big a business the US military is. The damage to the building is completely repaired and we had the rare opportunity to see a 2 star general on our tour.
The memorial was not only stunning but also very emotional. You will see the individual units each represent one of the 184 people who died and is inscribed with their name and in the water the names of any family members that also perished on that day. The direction the units are facing represent whether they were in the plane or in the building and lastly each row is separated by year of birth. The youngest was a three year old girl and the oldest was a 72 year old retired Navy man, both on the plane.
Our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery where we took an open air bus tour with stops at the Eternal Flame and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was an honor to be standing at the grave of one of our most beloved Presidents where his motivational words are inscribed forever and where so many Americans have visited to pay their respect. Robert Kennedys resting place is nearby and marked (per his will) with a simple wooden white cross on a grassy hillside.
Our next stop was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tomb is guarded 24 hours a day 365 days a year by a special Army honor guard that changes guard every hour on the hour. This show of honor, respect and dedication to service is recognized by many nations in the hall and even after serving 5 years in the Navy it was the single proudest moment I can remember to be American. The guard marches 21 steps in front of the tomb and then stops for 21 seconds turns waits 21 seconds and marches 21 steps. This is representative of the 21 gun salute, the highest military honor and again is done 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Changing of the Guard started with a head to toe inspection of the new guard including a complete inspection of his rifle. Very rarely do the turn away an incoming guard but it has happened because of a tiny smudge on the rifle or a piece of lint on their uniform. They take this honor very seriously. The guard, once inspected follows the watch commander past the tomb, who salutes the Unknown Soldiers and in perfect timing the two guards change roles. Just amazing.
Next stop the Lincoln Memorial which had the best view of Washington of anywhere we have been. Lincoln is towering and appears to be watching over all of DC. Huge tablets of his famous and nation healing words line the walls. We almost skipped this memorial but are glad we didn’t. Just up the way along Forrest Gump’s famous run along the reflecting pool we arrived at the World War two Memorial (pictured) which is placed directly between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. Our last stop was the Washington Monument which it seems like you can see from anywhere in the city. They were not allowing tours but just to stand next to this massive structure was awesome.
Whew, time for a cocktail.
We started our day at the Pentagon, this building is absolutely enormous. The subway comes right up to it and after a sizable walk we were standing at the Memorial of the tragedy on September 11. Looking at the vast building you really get an understanding of how big a business the US military is. The damage to the building is completely repaired and we had the rare opportunity to see a 2 star general on our tour.
The memorial was not only stunning but also very emotional. You will see the individual units each represent one of the 184 people who died and is inscribed with their name and in the water the names of any family members that also perished on that day. The direction the units are facing represent whether they were in the plane or in the building and lastly each row is separated by year of birth. The youngest was a three year old girl and the oldest was a 72 year old retired Navy man, both on the plane.
Our next stop was Arlington National Cemetery where we took an open air bus tour with stops at the Eternal Flame and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was an honor to be standing at the grave of one of our most beloved Presidents where his motivational words are inscribed forever and where so many Americans have visited to pay their respect. Robert Kennedys resting place is nearby and marked (per his will) with a simple wooden white cross on a grassy hillside.
Our next stop was the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This tomb is guarded 24 hours a day 365 days a year by a special Army honor guard that changes guard every hour on the hour. This show of honor, respect and dedication to service is recognized by many nations in the hall and even after serving 5 years in the Navy it was the single proudest moment I can remember to be American. The guard marches 21 steps in front of the tomb and then stops for 21 seconds turns waits 21 seconds and marches 21 steps. This is representative of the 21 gun salute, the highest military honor and again is done 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The Changing of the Guard started with a head to toe inspection of the new guard including a complete inspection of his rifle. Very rarely do the turn away an incoming guard but it has happened because of a tiny smudge on the rifle or a piece of lint on their uniform. They take this honor very seriously. The guard, once inspected follows the watch commander past the tomb, who salutes the Unknown Soldiers and in perfect timing the two guards change roles. Just amazing.
Next stop the Lincoln Memorial which had the best view of Washington of anywhere we have been. Lincoln is towering and appears to be watching over all of DC. Huge tablets of his famous and nation healing words line the walls. We almost skipped this memorial but are glad we didn’t. Just up the way along Forrest Gump’s famous run along the reflecting pool we arrived at the World War two Memorial (pictured) which is placed directly between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials. Our last stop was the Washington Monument which it seems like you can see from anywhere in the city. They were not allowing tours but just to stand next to this massive structure was awesome.
Whew, time for a cocktail.
2 comments:
The pic's say it all...
How amazing this trip must have been for you guys.
I can't speak for everyone but your blog sure has opened my eyes and I have learned so much about the United States!
Thanks for sharing your experience with everyone.
Kay
When I was in junior high and high school I went on the trip to DC with school, and some of the students got to do the wreath ceremony for the unknown soldier...I will never forget it. Glad you got to see all that you saw...and man, did you do a lot in 4 days!!! :)
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