Thursday, October 30, 2008

SALUTE TO AMERICA




I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. and had a wonderful time sightseeing our nation’s capital. I was there over the 4th of July so I was also able to attend the annual concert and fireworks display held on the lawn in front of the U.S. Capital. There were thousands of people there to have a good time and indeed we did! The event was nationally televised, which made the experience even better. It was extremely hot that day so by the time we left we looked like lobsters – but boy did we have fun!

Before the concert began, we visited the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the U.S. Capital Building.


The first thing I had to visit was the White House. When we got there the President’s helicopter was taking off right in front of the White House, which was really neat to witness! I had seen pictures of the Lincoln Memorial before, but it is hard to put into perspective exactly how big it is until you are actually standing beside it. The statue of Abraham Lincoln with the Gettysburg Address carved into it was quite a site! I also visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It was a very solemn experience to have the opportunity to walk along the wall filled with the names of 58,000 Americans who have died in the Vietnam War or remain missing in action. In addition, I visited the Washington Monument. The sight was truly breathtaking! I also got to see the Korean War Veterans Memorial. This monument featured statues of 19 soldiers. There was also a wall of photos paying tribute to those involved in the war. A reminder to all Americans was inscribed into the granite wall – “Freedom is not free.” Finally, I saw the U.S. Capital Building, which is the home of the Senate and House of Representatives. The 4th of July concert took place right in front of this building!


Have any other bloggers had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C.?





6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I too love to travel. I have been alot of different places. One experience that I will always remember is going to New York City when i was younger. One part in particular that I will never forget is standing on the viewing deck, on top of the Empire State building and looking out over the city at night. The interesting thing about it to me was that I have heard that NYC is built more vertically than horizontally. Basically I heard that it was alot of tall buildings in a very small area. However, I remember their was city as far as the eye could see, when looking from the top of that building. Also, I had my picture taken in front of the World Trade Center towers before 9/11.

Emily H. said...

Thanks for your comment! I have never been to New York City, but that is definitely somewhere I would like to visit in the very near future. I come from a small town so I definitely want to take the opportunity to visit large cities and visit all the tourist attractions! Were there any other tourist sites in New York City that you visited beside the Empire State Building and the World Trade Center?

Unknown said...

I have been to D.C. and I love it! My sister actually lives there so I am lucky enough to go more often then some. She was also at the fireworks show during the 4th of July and she said it was incredible! I remember watching a little of it on television wishing I could experience it live.
The museums in D.C. are remarkable and most are free! There is a lot of history in each and there is so much to take in. Being able to see the white house so close is almost unreal, but it’s something everyone should be able to experience!

Emily H. said...

Thanks for your comment. It is really nice to read about someone else who likes traveling as much as I do! I agree that the firework show over the 4th of July is incredible as is the architecture found throughout the city. I definitely cannot wait until I have the opportunity to travel down to Washington D.C. again!

Unknown said...

Hi Emily -

I have visited Washington DC many times, my brother lives down there so I visit a few times a year. I love going down to DC at night, the World War 2 monument is gorgeous all lit up. Old Town Alexandria is one of my favorite places to visit whenever I'm there. There are all of these cute little shops and restaurants with a really cute, old atmosphere. I would definitely recommend visiting there next time you are down that way!

Emily H. said...

Thanks for your comment. I did not have a chance to visit Old Town Alexandria when I was in Washington DC. I will definitely visit it next time I am down there. It sounds like a lot of fun. I love going to shops and restaurants when I am traveling to new cities!