Road Trip - Days 27 and 28 Washington D.C.

Days 27 and 28 - January 27th and 28th  - Washington D.C.

Metro Map - we started at Greenbelt, top right on Green route

It certainly seems that we have come around in full circle on our road trip with our visit to Washington D.C. Having started with Abraham Lincoln on Day 4, paying tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis on Day 6, and visiting the site of the assassination of JFK in Dallas on Day 8.... all these things have come together with a visit to their memorials here in the capital of this great country. 

The Presidential Box

We started off the day on Monday, with a visit to the Ford Theatre - where Abraham Lincoln was shot. It was another place where we felt we were on solemn ground. The box had been restored to the way it looked that fateful night. The cane chair that Mary Lincoln sat on is original. The others are reproduced. 

A solemn moment - remembering a sad event

The vestibule from where John Wilkes Booth made his assault

The Derringer pistol used in the assassination

Passing by the White House, we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial, from which Martin Luther King Jr., made his famous 'I have a dream....' speech. 

White House - North Side

 

White House - South Side

Lincoln Memorial

Magnificent - and gives the feeling that he is looking down at you, personally, wherever you stand

The view seen by Martin Luther King Jr. when he gave his speech

Mark points to the spot from which he gave his speech

During our 8 hours-plus walking tour, we made our way to the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, on the banks of the Potomac River. This was only completed just 8 months ago, but is a tribute to his life and his work - splendid in its simplicity. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

While preparing this blog, President Obama is delivering the State of the Union Address in the very room of the House of Representatives in the Capitol Building where we stood on Monday afternoon. The edifice was built to be impressive to all who visit the city, and it certainly achieves that goal. We were fortunate enough to be able to visit the gallery of the House of Representatives, but were not allowed to take any photos in that area. However, we were allowed to take pics everywhere else in the building. 

The Magnificent Capitol Building

Inside the Rotunda

 There were 8 large paintings around the Rotunda - and each state is allowed to send 2 statues to be displayed there, and in the adjacent room. 

Looking up at the dome

Whether one agrees with Obama's policies or not, the continual struggle to ensure that democracy survives, evolves, and grows is the thread that we have discerned in our journey through the history of this nation. 

I can honestly say that I have such an appreciation for the 'American Experiment' - knowing that they have not always got it right, but that liberation and equality continues to call them - and all of us - toward greater fulfilment and realization of those lofty principles. As well, I have a deepened appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for my own beautiful country - Canada - and for its example of leadership in the field of human freedom and development. 

Our emotionally difficult visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum this morning lasted for over three hours, and it reminded me of my own responsibility to be vigilant and to oppose the forces of hatred wherever, and however they may raise their heads to diminish liberty and freedom. The banner over the entrance states, 'Never Again' - a poignant reminder of the importance of personal vigilance.

Unites States Holocaust Memorial Museum

The challenge to all visitors to stand up against injustice and build a respectful community for all was echoed at the JFK memorial and eternal flame at Arlington Cemetery. 

Together again - Jack and Jackie

The Eternal Flame - reminds me of Hope and Challenge 

 In stone, there are various quotes by Kennedy, including his famous challenge - "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country..... what together we can do for the freedom" of all. 

For me, this encapsulates the message that I have gleaned from the various places we have visited on our road trip.