It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution.
- James Madison, Federalist Number 37
Sorry- this blog is a day late, because the hotel last night in Alexandria, VA lost it's internet yesterday and we couldn't get this information out to you. So, tonight I am doing two blog posts. We had another very busy day (this was written yesterday, but posted today) with an extra early start (we left the hotel at 7:15am) because we headed to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Before I begin, however, we want to say Happy Birthday to Mia Vidal – she turns 14 years old today!
We arrived at Mount Vernon and the weather was threatening rain. We viewed the introductory film and then walked the grounds to the residents. As we entered the house it started to drizzle and the tour only took about 15 minutes and by that time is started to rain more heavily and wind started to blow. These were the only pictures that I was able to take due to the rain.
Jacob poses for a picture at the entrance to Mount Vernon.
Anton didn’t want to get wet has he walked the beautiful grounds with Washington’s residence behind him.
George Washington’s grave is on the right side.
George Washington knew that religion is essential to the moral fiber of the country so in the museum there was a church bench with a short film on his thoughts on religious teaching. Washington loved freedom, liberty, and individual responsibility. He warned, “The United States came into existence as a Nation, and if their Citizens should not be completely free and happy, the fault will be intirely their own.”
After leaving Mount Vernon (fairly wet) we drove back into Washington DC and since we saw the Viet Nam Memorial only in the dark, it was decided to see it during the day. So, the bus driver dropped us off in front of the Lincoln Memorial and we walked the path to the Viet Nam Memorial.
Walking past the Lincoln Memorial.
Famous statue of the Viet Nam soldiers, notice how young they look. Many of them are only four years older than Nick, Michelle, Amanda and Nathan.
Ms Calvert is instructing her students and is explaining the meaning of the symbols by the soldiers name. Fallen troops range from 1959 to 1975.
Richard is doing a “rub” of one of the names onto paper. You would put the paper over the name and rub it with a pencil. The name would be highlighted on the paper.
We then walked to the Capitol for a photo of the class on the Capitol steps. We had tickets to tour the Capitol so we went through security to enter the building.
Inside the Capitol there is the Hall of Statues and each state choices two individuals to represent the state. The criteria is that these individual have to be deceased and have contributed to the culture, history, and advancement of the people. Everyone liked one of the Hawaii statues - King Kamehameha.
Our statues from California are Father Junipero Serra.
Our other statue that represents California is of Ronald Reagan.
Looking up at the top of the Rotunda. We didn't get much time to take many pictures so I was clicking away as fast as I could. Do you see George Washington in the painting?
This was our tour in the House of Representatives Hall with statues that line the walls.
In the center of the Capitol on the bottom floor there is a star which represents the exact center of Washington DC. Washington DC was planned and designed with the Capitol as the center of the city with all roads spreading from the Capitol center. The Capitol Building has no North, South, East or West indication and no street address because it is the exact center of the city.
Now, we were off to see the Library of Congress so we walked through the underground tunnel. You can see how beautiful it is on the inside this historic building. There was a saying inscribed above one of the doorways:
Reading Maketh A Full Man
Conference a Ready Man
And Writing an Exact Man
One of the other sayings were, “Science Is Organized Knowledge.”
Michelle and her mother pose by the banister inside the Library of Congress.
As we left the Library of Congress we walked past the Supreme Court Building and since we may not have time to see it tomorrow, I took the opportunity to photograph the only volunteers in our group that were willing to stop, Mrs. Valdivieso and Tyler. Everyone was hungry and we were headed for dinner. This is the only picture I took of the Supreme Court.
After dinner we drove to the Jefferson Memorial which sits on the Potomac River. It was getting cold and the wind started blowing off the river. We walked around Thomas Jefferson many times. Did you know the back of his robe rests on a column of corn and tobacco signifying his love of farming? He is also holding a rolled paper in his left hand, I can only imagine that would be the Declaration of Independence.
Light was fading so this was the only picture I got of the group with the Jefferson Memorial in the background.
We drove to the Iwo Jima Memorial and as you pass the memorial the road bends to the left and if you slowly drive by, it appears that the flag is actually being raised by the soldiers. At one angel, the flag pole appears vertical. Inscribed in the marble is a tribute to the brave soldiers who fought in the battle for Iwo Jima, “Uncommon Valor Was A Uncommon Virtue.”
We’ve had only one casualty so far, Taylor tripped on some of the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial last night. She has had the best possible care from Mrs. Mendoza, Mrs. Forsell, Mrs. Brewer and Ms Calvert. As you can see, she has a brace and crutches, but she has great friends that love and help her and I am confident that she will recover shortly.
Another night has passed and it is time to sign off and start the second blog describing todays' activities. Good night.
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