True Magic = D.C. Monuments at Night (2)

Well over the past couple of weeks, I have continued to urge our group to get out and see the monuments at nighttime. We have had two more such occasions and they were more than we could hope for. "The Mall" as it is called here (the grassy area between the monuments in downtown D.C.) is chuck full of monuments and they are all within walking distance of each other, you just have to fight the late-night humidity and the mosquitoes. I found a cool map online that outlines where these monuments are, so check it out below:

A online map of the Washington D.C. "Mall"

Tour #3
After the first two successful monuments tours, I was dying to see the home of our beloved President. In 1997, I was here in D.C. with the National Boy Scout Jamboree, but we didn't have a ton of time here in the district, so all I remember about the White House is driving by on a bus, getting out for a few seconds to snap a picture, and getting back on. It was so cool though, when we walked towards the White House and I was amazed at how close you can really get! The front door to the White House is extremely close to the gate and the backyard is a large, so it wasn't as breathtaking. When we walked up it was marvelous and lit up. We could even see a TV on in one of the windows and it was just crazy for me to know that that is where the President lives. I dunno, just a surreal experience that was lots of fun.

The glistening home of the American President


Megan, Marko, Becca, and I at the White House

We then started to walk towards the Jefferson Memorial and passed the White House - Eisenhower Executive Office that is adjacent to the White House. Meagan Kline said, "Oh this is the Presidential Work Out facility" and I was all, "fo reelz?" --> I almost believed her being the pure and peacefully gullible person I am, but then there was a big sign that said "Executive Offices." haha, I can be such a dummy sometime.

The White House - Eisenhower Executive Office

We then walked about 20 mins towards Tidal Basin to go see the Jefferson Memorial. I think that this monument is BY FAR my favorite monument. It is probably because it is lit so well along the water in a greenish-yellow tone and I think that is just breathtaking. I tried to get some good shots but taking the picture in the dark wasn't the best, so here are some of my best shots:

Overlooking Tidal Basin to Jefferson Memorial


Jefferson Memorial lit up along Tidal Basin


Mr. Thomas Jefferson himself inside his memorial building


A look back at Washington Memorial along Tidal Basin = so cool!


The BEST and yet cheesiest pic of the night! - Marko and all the girls

Tour #4
Later that week we took the Metro over to the war memorials to see the Vietnam and the Korean War Memorials lit up at nighttime. These memorial are really close to each other, so we decided to go see them both in one night. This was more of a somber tour, because everyone around us was so quiet and we weren't sure whether we should smile out of gratitude for the work of these soldiers and armed forces or to remain serious. I was really moved by the Wall of names at the Vietnam War Memorial. There were thousands of names that seemed to go for ever and loved ones had come and dropped cards, flowers, notes, knick knacks, and mementos next to the names of their loved ones. I am so grateful for these brave men and women that fought to preserve the freedom which I enjoy. And it was really neat to have a place where one can go to reflect on the heroic attempts of so many who have gone before.

Standing at the wall - Vietnam War Memorial


Small mementos are left daily by loved ones


Army boots, Vietnam War Medallion, and flag left at the wall


A somber smile by the gang that went


Soldier Statue near the Vietnam War Memorial


Lit up statues of soldiers at the Korean War Memorial

It was really cool to see all these memorials at nighttime all lit up and to remember how grateful we should be to live in a land which promotes, enforces, and defends life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. There is so much more to see by night and I think that Tour 5 (FDR Memorial/Mason Memorial) and Tour 6 (Einstein Memorial) are tentatively planned for the future, so stay tuned.

--Randy