Once again, we got an early start and walked all over the place. We started by going to the Washington Monument, the tallest structure in D.C. It stands 555 feet high and is truly an awesome site. We took the elevator to the top and got to look out some very small windows in each direction. Of course, there are many others attempting to get a good view, so we didn't have much time to enjoy the experience. Still, I am glad we did it.
Next, we walked toward the The Mall. First, we came to the construction site of the National World War II Memorial, dedicated to our brave men and women who served during WWII. In years to come, we'll be able to say, "We were there when they were building that!" It is shaping up to be quite an impressive structure.
As we made our way to the Lincoln Memorial, we were disappointed to find the reflecting pool empty. Bummer. So we walked through the empty pool and approached Abe. I've seen pictures and video of the memorial countless times. But standing in front of Lincoln seated on his chair was a truly unique experience. It was awesome.
Inscribed in the walls to the left and the right of Lincoln are The Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Speech. Zachary has had to learn the former for school and he recited it for me while standing beneath it. As I read the words, Lincoln's courage and faith leapt from the walls. I would have loved to have Lincoln to dinner. He was an incredible man. We lingered at the memorial for some time in order to absorb it all.
A short walk found us at The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall. 58,000 names are inscribed on the marble wall, making for an unforgetable experience. I was just a little kid during this war, but I know enough to know that it was a needless war with a remarkable casualty count. I feel terrible for those who fought (as well as their families) who did not get the respect they deserved for so many years.
At this point, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue beckoned to us. We walked several blocks to The White House. Our first view was of the back side and the huge lawn. We then walked around the front and saw the view we have all come to know. I had hoped George would come out and say "hi", but it wasn't to be. I did find out that California Governor-Elect Arnold was there that morning.
We grabbed a bite to eat and then took a cab to the Capitol Building. I thought it would be a good idea to stop in Ernest Istook's office, as he is our Representative from the 5th District of Oklahoma. I thought someone might be able to give us a tour of the Capitol. The guy in the office was very accomodating and made us feel as though he was there working for us. It was very refreshing. However, he was unable to get away to give us a tour of the House of Representatives. He was kind enough to give us passes to the House Gallery, which thrilled me to no end.
Also, as an aside, there was a gun scare in a building just down the street. All we heard were rumors and no one really knew what was going on until we saw the news tonight. As it worked out, a congressional staffer had brought a plastic gun to work as part of his Halloween costume. What an idiot!
With passes in hand, we made our way to the House, passing through the obligatory security checkpoints. You really get used to those here. As we entered the security tent, there was a very long line for a tour, and another line for the Gallery. We skipped right to the front and they let us in the building. Down this hall, up those stairs, another security checkpoint, check bags, and finally, we are there! We take a seat in the front row of the House Gallery and await action on the floor.
We waited at least 30 minutes before Representatives started filing in, but since we were so tired, the rest was welcome. They filed in a few at a time and I enjoyed pointing out the Reps that I recognized. The liberals I loved to hate were there: Maxine Waters, Rosa Delorea (sp?), Charles Rangel, Barney Frank. I was also able to pick out one of the "good guys", Henry Hyde. The House came to order and the business of the day was at hand. The whole time I attempted to explain the procedures to the kids as best as I could. We were in the chamber for about 90 minutes and enjoyed an experience we will not soon forget.
Our next stop was The Supreme Court. However, we got no further than the front steps since the Court was closed for the day.
There is just TOO much to do here and we've got some tough choices to make for tomorrow.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
