Today was a busy, full and emotional day with great weather, sun and 62 degrees. We started our sightseeing with a walking tour of the Lincoln, Vietnam and Korean Memorials. We continued on to the World War II Memorial. Today a group of WW II veterans was there, a number in wheelchairs. Our timing was perfect, because a special event there was a bagpiper in Scottish dress who slowly walked into the Memorial and stood before the men, playing "Battle Hymn of the Republic." He also played "Amazing Grace." It was quite impressive, and a number of us shook hands with the men and thanked them for their service.
The rest of the morning was spent at the Holocaust Museum. People remarked how quiet the crowd was inside the museum and said even in the restrooms, no one was visiting. The material presented is so graphic and so overwhelming, and yet people said it was good for us to see.
Our lunch was not exactly gourmet, but eating hot dogs or snacks from street vendors was quick, easy and gave the maximum time for the museum.
The afternoon was busy with stops at the White House Visitor Center, walking through Lafayette Park to the north side of the White House for pictures, a drive on Embassy Row with flags of many countries flying, and then a tour of the National Cathedral. We did a walking tour of the Kennedy Center with a lovely view of the city from rooftop level. Our final afternoon stop was at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
After eating we made one final stop at the Air Force Memorial. Again, we ran into the group of World War II veterans. There was also a large group of teenagers there. They turned out to be a choir from Georgia who spontaneously decided to sing for the veterans. They sang "The Star
Spangled Banner" so beautifully that there were many kleenexes being used by the time they ended.
We're weary but have had such a wonderful day. -Laurel Johnson - Tour Director
The rest of the morning was spent at the Holocaust Museum. People remarked how quiet the crowd was inside the museum and said even in the restrooms, no one was visiting. The material presented is so graphic and so overwhelming, and yet people said it was good for us to see.
Our lunch was not exactly gourmet, but eating hot dogs or snacks from street vendors was quick, easy and gave the maximum time for the museum.
The afternoon was busy with stops at the White House Visitor Center, walking through Lafayette Park to the north side of the White House for pictures, a drive on Embassy Row with flags of many countries flying, and then a tour of the National Cathedral. We did a walking tour of the Kennedy Center with a lovely view of the city from rooftop level. Our final afternoon stop was at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
After eating we made one final stop at the Air Force Memorial. Again, we ran into the group of World War II veterans. There was also a large group of teenagers there. They turned out to be a choir from Georgia who spontaneously decided to sing for the veterans. They sang "The Star
Spangled Banner" so beautifully that there were many kleenexes being used by the time they ended.
We're weary but have had such a wonderful day. -Laurel Johnson - Tour Director
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