Washington, D.C.

. . .Liberty and justice for all.  What a wonderful privilege and honor we, as Americans, have.  When we think about America and the strength that our country holds, Washington, D.C. comes to mind.  Our Nation's capital.  If you haven't visited Washington, D.C., you are missing out in seeing the symbols of our great nation. As an American, it's an honor to be able to see our government buildings; the buildings in which laws are enacted and decisions are made in order to help our Nation and it's people.  There is so much to do and see in D.C. that one day, or even two days are really not enough.

History surrounds each step and street.  You just can't help but think of how D.C. used to be - with cobble streets, lanterns to light the way, and the sounds of hooves clopping from horses and carriages.  The architecture of these buildings are so amazing and articulate.  Even they show a sign of strength.  From the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, U.S. Capitol Building, and of course, to the White House, each are so spectacular.  Even at night, they are lit up brightly and such a beautiful sight.

Visit Ford's Theatre, the site of where our great President, Abraham Lincoln, was senselessly shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865.  There are still wonderful plays performed at the theatre.  Go to www.fordstheatre.org  for the listing.  The booth in which President Lincoln was assassinated has been well maintained.  In the basement of Ford's Theatre is a museum.  The actual clothes worn by President Lincoln that tragic evening are displayed, along with the derringer that was used to kill him, and the U.S. Flag that draped his casket.  Right across from Ford's Theatre is the home in which Lincoln was brought to and sadly passed away.

There is a little of everything for everyone to enjoy.  There is the National Zoo and Capital Children's Museum for the young - and young at heart!  And let's not forget the Smithsonian Institution museums, such as the National Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum, to name a few.  Washington also
celebrates our Nation's diversity with museums such as the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

For a more solemn and moving experience, visit the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.  This tour takes about 3 hours as it shows photos and film of this horrific tragedy, the Holocaust (www.ushmm.org).  As you take your stroll to all of these wonderful places (of which, there are plenty more to see), visit the Arlington National Cemetery.  There, you will see why we as Americans have the freedoms that we do today and why we need NEVER to forget this.

As you visit our Nation's capital, make sure you plan out the sites you'd like to visit the night before.  Leave early the following morning and make sure you wear your most comfortable of shoes.  Your best way to get around would be the Metro, as parking spaces are limited.

Enjoy your visit and God Bless America!

 

The White House before the Civil War

 

Lincoln Memorial

 

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and Washington Monument

 

View of the Jefferson Memorial and cherry blossoms

 

World War II Memorial

 

Let us say THANK YOU to our soldiers over seas by going to this website and send a postcard!

www.letssaythanks.com