Washington D.C.

There is so much to see in DC! You could spend an entire week 12 hours a day pretty easy and still not see it all. Here are some photos from various places.


Flags and Capitol


Marine One did a fly by headed to the white house to pick up someone!


Lunar Module in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum


Lincoln Memorial and WWII Memorial from a top the Washington Monument




The Lincoln Memorial is HUGE!

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is a very reverent place. It truly is hallowed ground. It is the largest of the National Cemeteries and contains American casualties from every single war since the revolution. It was beautiful to see in late fall as the leaves were still brilliant in color. Being there really brings to home how many poeple have died in the American effort and this cemetery only contains a portion of them. A must see if you are ever in the DC area. More information on Arlington National Cemetery can be found here.









The Changing of the Guard

Among the things to see in the cemetery is the Changing of the Guard. The tomb of the unknown soldiers is guarded by the U.S. Army continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and has been since July 1, 1937. The tomb holds the remains of unknown soldiers who died on the battle field but were never identified. This is a very reverent place, complete silence is demanded and you will get yelled at by the Guard on post and asked to leave if you are not quiet...screaming kids included! Click here for more information on the Tomb of the Uknowns. Photography is permitted and here are the photos.


VP Dick Cheney dropped off the wreath in this photo in honor of Veteran's Day and gave a little speech. I was there about 5 hours after that.


It is one of the highest honors in the US Army to be selected as a Sentinel to guard the tomb. It takes the guard hours to prepare his uniform. The Honor Guard is the least rewarded badge after the Astronaut Badge in the US Army. Click here for more information on how they are selected and what their tour of duty is like when they are stationed at the tomb. -- I like the way the sunlight reflects off his bayonet in this photo...completely coincidental! I got lucky!

Wahington Monument

The Washington Monument is the tallest structure in the district at 555 feet tall. An elevator takes you up to 500 feet. If you visit DC in the summer months you need to plan months ahead to reserve tickets to go up to the top. In mid-November I walked right up to the ticket booth and had a ticket for the next ascent.


Notice the flags at half mass. This was Veteran's Day.




View east from the Lincoln Memorial.




View from Arlington Memorial Bridge across the Potomac.

The White House

I walked around the entire White House grounds. I was the only one out that morning at about 7 am. It was cold but, a great time to visit as no one was there. The whole day was great I was able to see everything I had time for. I logged about 20 miles walking in about 8 hours, so, I was moving.


Front Lawn of the White House




Back of the White House.


From a top of the Washington Monument


Welcome Obama!