I’m writing this from the Ohio Turnpike as our van points its hood toward home. But even though we’re traveling forward, I can’t stop looking backward–at nine days of wonderfully sweet memories.
I didn’t really make it through posting about D.C. before we arrived in Wisconsin so I’m going to finish out with a few more of those pictures and accompanying anecdotes today before moving on to my Wisconsin tales. There are so many stories and special things to share; I’m excited about inviting you to join us on some after-the-fact, armchair travels.
But for now, we’ll take one last peek at Washington, D.C. which was exhilarating and inspiring and filled with contrasts—one contrast that I especially noticed was the one between celebratory red and dignified black.
At the Library of Congress, we saw guys in the process of laying red carpet since Justice Stevens (from the Supreme Court) was due to speak there that evening.
A little later, we walked by the Capitol to find half of it cordoned off and men standing guard with guns strapped across their chests. When we asked what was going on we were told that there was a head of state inside and he was getting ready to leave, hence the extra security and the line up of black cars.
As I looked at the cars, it occurred to me that what Washington really needs is a few fewer black cars and a few more brightly colored cars. Wouldn’t that be fun to see a motorcade with all the cars in all the colors of the rainbow? Much more cheery, I say.
But the administration has yet to ask my opinion in it so for the time being at least, I guess the official cars will have to stay black.
Here are a few more shots from the Library of Congress.
Sarah and I both thought she looked like she was part of the advertisement; I can just see that cut out and used as a bookmark.
We were utterly stunned by the grandeur of that building; it was just amazing.
And on the topic of gorgeous buildings, there are few more amazing than the National Cathedral. I could have spent the entire day in there and never run out of things to gaze at.
One special moment was when we happened across an area where you could light a candle and pray for someone. Although this practice isn’t part of our own religious tradition, it was so sweet when Sarah lit a candle and we paused to pray for a friend who is having serious health challenges.
We loved the statue of Abraham Lincoln who stood with a hand outstretched.
You can tell by the changed color of the bronze that Sarah wasn’t the first one to reach up to connect with one of our country’s greatest presidents.
A few more scenes from the Cathedral . . .
We had never seen the World War II Memorial before; it was definitely worth the stop.
I had never seen the Korean Memorial before, but it turned out to be one of my favorites.
As a minister and a speaker, Steve has been a long time admirer of Martin Luther King. Here he is beside the spot where Dr. King delivered his, “I Have A Dream” speech.
On our last night in town, we were riding the subway and I was amazed by how many people kept crowding on to it, even though it already seemed to be full to me.
A young man nearby saw me taking a picture and said, “This isn’t even very crowded. Wait till you see it after a few more stops.”
He went on to say that every once in a great while, the trains get so crowded that the doors won’t close and people refuse to move to make room. At that point, the conductor makes everyone get off the train and takes that particular train out of service. I couldn’t imagine anything that drastic ever happening but guess what? About ten minutes later we heard the conductor say, “This train is over capacity. Everyone must disembark immediately.”
So even though it was a bit inconvenient to have to fight a rush hour crowd and find another train to get on, I am sort of proud to be able to boast that I was kicked off the Metro in D.C. I mean how many mild mannered pastor’s wives get to say that?
Red carpet. Black cars. Kicked off the metro.
It was a great visit!
Your D.C. trip looks amazing! I was there about a year ago (just on a day trip, but we were able to visit many of the same spots you did) and I clearly remember visiting the WWII and Korean War memorials after dark. (I should add that, if you ever get the chance, the WWII memorial by night is breathtaking.) I can’t wait to go back and see all of the things you’ve shown us that I missed because of having had too little time!
Random,
We had actually talked about touring the memorials at night but then when it hit us how long we would have to wait for it to get dark and late we would be out, we decided to do the daytime thing after all. But I definitely want to do the night tour some time; hopefully next time around!
What a wonderful city! I remember the first trip I took down to DC and the tangible feeling of power as I exited the Beltway. That was a long time ago. I have yet to see the WWII, Korean and Vietnam Memorials…I did say a long time ago 🙂 My father served with the 1st Marine Division in WWII/Guadalcanal and the Korean Conflict/War. Just looking at those pics brought me to tears…good tears…grateful tears. I am truly privileged to live in the USA and humbled by the sacrifice of our military and their families.
Guerrina,
Good and grateful tears–what a perfect way to put it.
Becky, we were in Washington several years ago, shortly after the Korean War Memorial was finished and I must say, I just stood back with my mouth hanging open (as we southerners say), it was amazing. Anywhere you turned, it seemed as if they were looking at you. However, I think the Vietnam Wall was my favorite (if you could call it that with all those names on it). When I was a teenager I had a POW bracelet that I wore (even through childbirth with my first child). I watched all the lists of the POWs that came home and never saw his name. I found his name on the wall (PFC Richard Bauer, funny, I don’t think I will EVER forget his name). I stood and wept for his lost life and the lives of all the others. A senseless war that wasn’t won. Having grown up in the 60’s I knew a boy had two choices as a high school graduate, either college or Vietnam. OOh this is too sad, so sorry. Thanks so much for sharing the pictures of your trip, as always when I look at your photos, I feel as if I have been there with you. I have never been to the OUter Banks, but feel I know it through you. Hope you have a safe trip home. Did Nathan and Megan come home with you or did they fly back to Florida. I know you were so happy to have all you family with you. Thanks so much for sharing and by the way, I agree, rainbow colored cars just might make people smile just a little more and it would for sure brighten up the landscape. Gotta get back to work, oops did I just say that. God Bless
Gail,
How wonderful that you made the effort to make sure a POW did not go unremembered. Thank you for that!
We took Nathan and Meagan back to the Milwaukee airport before leaving for our trip home on Tuesday morning.
Becky, thank you so much for sharing your trip. I love the photo of Sarah touching the hand of Lincoln – if I ever get back to Washington D.C. I feel I must do that.
Mary,
Yes, that statue of Lincoln and the hand outstretched was so cool. When I was in elementary school, I read everything about Lincoln I could get my hands on; what an amazing man!
Hi Becky
Your trip sounds great and it makes me so impatient for our wedding and honeymoon next year, as we’re really looking forward to touring America!
If you think that’s crowded – definitely go on the underground should you ever visit London!
Becky,
You will LOVE touring America; I can’t imagine how excited you must be!! And I can’t imagine the underground being more crowded than the DC Metro. I would love to come to London and check it out myself! (Since one of my dreams is to travel to England.)
I visit DC often and have yet to make it to the National Cathedral. Beautiful pictures!!
Michelle, oh my, you MUST pay it a visit. Pictures can’t do it justice. The place went on and on forever with small chapels and rooms and interesting things to look at everywhere! Loved it.
Great post. DC is on my list of places to go! How old is your daughter? My boys are 6 and 8. Not sire if they would appreciate it yet.
There are lots of “kid” things to do in DC, but at 6 and 8 they may not appreciate the historical or government aspects.
Patti, I agree that 6 and 8 would be a bit young for some of the things that are offered; it’s a matter of finding out where the good stuff for kids is!
DC has a phenomenal children’s museum…at least a half a day’s worth, and the metro itself is a wild excitement for boys that age. Also the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History (dinosaurs) and American History (airplanes). I recommend that you bring along a child friendly picnic to enjoy on the mall, where kites and soccer games are usually abundant. If you cannot pack a picnic, find a grocery or convenience store in DC rather than run the expense of some of the local restaurants.
Great advice, Jemmajolie! I know that will be very helpful to anyone planning a trip.
The spy museum was a lot of fun when we went back in 04!
Tammy,
Sarah is 16 but I saw plenty of families with younger children. The Air and Space Museum is really popular with younger kids (in fact it’s one of the most popular museums in the world) and as Jill mentioned, I saw a lot of cool stuff about the spy museum, even thought we weren’t able to make it there. It would be a trip your boys would never forget!
Was the statue of Lincoln in the National Cathedral? Don’t know how I could miss that one. Too funny about getting kicked off the Metro-surprised that it actually happens.
Patti, yes the statue was in the cathedral; as I recall, it was fairly close to the entrance.