Our annual vacation began as the last three, we all loaded up in the van late at night and headed out for adventure unkown. Our last two vacations has included our friend Ray and so the tradition continued as it should. Our first vacation led us to the coast of the Carolinas including the most beautiful Outer Banks. Our second vacation was in Ray's neck of the woods of Texas including the most awesome city of San Antonio. This year we headed for Americas capitol city.
Ray and I took shifts on the 8 hour trip to Washington DC and for the first time I actually pulled my weight. Normally Ray does a majority of the driving but I decided this year I would do everything it took to actually share the driving. I had to drink more Sierra Mist and eat more snack food than should be allowed in an 8 hour trip but we made it in one piece.
Our first stop was at our Motel yes this year we were on a very tight budget so that we could do everything we set out to do and so our lodging was one area of the trip we decided to scrimp. The Motel 6 was located just outside of the Washington DC beltway in a city called Capitol Heights. We realized quickly that maybe we should have scrimped in another area of our trip when we had a security check-in at this motel before we could actually check in to our room. What was even more concerning was that even with the security we still didn't feel that safe. We got used to it after awhile but it was interesting for those first days in DC. However for our entire stay we had to continually remind the Motel staff that we needed more than two towels and wash clothes. At one point we even had to remind them to clean the room. My suggestion to anyone planning a visit to this beautiful city would be to stay within the beltway, not out of it.
After our security check and arrangements were cared for at the Motel, we headed for the Iwoa Jima Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. It was so wonderful to be back in the city Kristy and I met in, were engaged in, and married in. Kristy and I share some of our most cherished memories her in this area and to now bring our girls back to make new memories was a most choice experience.
We first walked around the awe inspiring recreation of the flag raising at Iwoa Jima. There has always been a certain place in my heart for the Marine Corps Memorial maybe because I know much of the history surrounding this memorial. Having served alongside the Marines as a field medic I gained an absolute appreciation for the sacrifice those men and women give so that we might live in peace and freedom. For our trip to DC it only seemed appropriate to start here at this memorial. Our next stop, or rather walk, was through Arlington Cemetery. How humbling it is to walk in the midst of so many honorable men and women who gave all for the greater good.
On my many visits to this area I never had the opportunity to observe the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In many ways that ceremony exemplifies the importance of our Armed Forces, the thought that every sacrifice is never forgotten. It was a highlight of the day. We paid our respects to the late President John F. Kennedy before departing from the sacred grounds of Arlington cemetery.
One of the most romantic places I have ever found during my many travels was right her under the willow trees on the banks of the Potomac at sunset. It was here that Kristy and I were making out during the sunset of July 4th, 1999. It was just an hour before I asked Kristy to marry me during the National Fireworks Display.
From the Potomac we walked over to the Lincoln Memorial and entered the solemn temple of one of our greatest American Presidents. From there we walked the honorable path of the Vietnam Memorial, the many names, of the many sacrifices, forever engraved in the heart of America, never to be forgotten or taken for granted.
Our last stop for the day was at the World War II Memorial which was the first time any of us had laid eyes on this most remarkable emblem of Americas greatest moment. I apologize for only having this night photo but it will allow you an excuse to visit it yourself.
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