Washington was the only destination on my trip where I knew I wanted to be there on a certain date, Memorial Day. The reason – some of the big DC draws for me were the memorials: Vietnam, WW II, Arlington – and what better day to visit than Memorial Day.
So I was up early to head to Arlington for the Presidential wreath laying service – I wasn’t sure how early to head, but as soon as I got off the subway – with everyone else on the train – I knew I might have left it a little late … so I boogied – those who know me, know I can walk fast and this was likely the fastest I’ve walked the entire trip! A good 2k up a hill in the heat of a lovely day – but I still missed the amphitheatre seating by about 5 minutes – ah well, I had a good spot in the overflow section, literally sitting amongst the headstones. First, we all were eagerly waiting, cameras in hand - would we see the President arrive? a lot of black cars, cops and secret service, but no President. So find a comfy seat in the grass and shade and listen - we could hear beautifully - the music was wonderful and then the keynote, President Obama. It was incredible to hear him live - a moment in history. His speech was good - acknowledgement that while he hadn't served, he knew the importance of the military, calling them the 'best of America'.
After the service, I headed against the flow of people to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and almost ran right into Bob and Elizabeth Dole - maybe not the President, but I can still say, I've seen a major political leader up close! I then took a slower path back through Arlington – by the Kennedy memorials (Robert’s was stunning in its simplicity – pictured).
The walking tour continued as I headed back across the Potomac to the Vietnam Wall for that memorial service in the afternoon. A completely different feel to service vs. Arlington; smaller, less formal and much more personal. There were tears in many eyes with a speaker's story of when she served in Iraq - a story that illustrated why they risk and sacrifice their lives: for each other, the people they serve with side by side. There were a lot of Vietnam vets present and it feels like such a 'present' war for them still. The emotional finish was Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave) singing Amazing Grace. There truly is a steep price for war, paid on a very individual basis.
The walk continued as I headed back towards the Potomac and by the Franklin Roosevelt and Thomas Jefferson memorials - both very impressive and moving. Walking back, I was trying to think, of the recent Presidents, whose historical view will rise to the point where they are memorialized in such a way - have to say, no one was jumping to mind, though my fingers are crossed for the current incumbent.
I finished the day with a walk to Dupont Circle - it was a cool neighborhood and I’d heard of a bookstore that also had a 24 hr restaurant which I had to check out. It was cool – great selection of books and really good food. Though I resisted buying any books – especially given the very large bag of them I have in my trunk – none of which I’ve touched … I’m very, very slowly still working my way through Clinton’s memoirs. This is not a reading holiday it seems :-)
The end of a really good day - my feet were a little tired but I slept really well.
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