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Day 3: June 13, 2018
Today was our fullest day and the group did great!
Our first activity of the day was a visit to George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon. Our first stop was the Visitors Center, where we watched a couple of movies about the place. We found out about Mt. Vernon and then watched a historic movie. We spent time in the Education Center looking at its exhibits, took a tour of Mt. Vernon, George Washington's home, explored the grounds some, and watched a 4D movie with "snow".
From there, in the heat of the day, we made our way to Arlington National Cemetery. Being in the presence of over 400,000 who gave their lives for their country was an impressive sight. Equally impressive was watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Those guards perform their duties with such precision and dedication, it's truly inspiring. Lastly, we went to John F. Kennedy's gravesite to view his grave along with his wife, Jacqueline Kenney (Onassis) and their infant children with its eternal flame. It was a beautiful, yet solemn visit.
Of course, since we were right there, we went straight from Arlington Cemetery to the Marine Corps Memorial, more lovingly known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. It was an even greater symbol of the strength and dedication given to our country by those who've sacrificed for us.
Next, it was a short stop for dinner at Uno's Chicago Pizza & Grill at the historic Union Station, and then off again to visit more monuments and memorials. This time it was the Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, and Korean Veterans Memorials. Seeing the reflection of the Washington Monument in the Reflecting Pool, with the Capitol and Library of Congress dome in the background was really spectacular. The Lincoln Memorial, lit up at night is beautiful. The Vietnam Veterans' Memorial with its 58,000+ names engraved upon it is mind-boggling, and the Korean Veterans' Memorial with its 19 soldiers on patrol is kind of eerie, yet beautiful.
Well, we did a LOT of walking today and it's finally time to return to the hotel. Many are ready to put their heads on their pillows.