Washington, D.C.

In these times of extreme political differences among Americans, Washington D.C. might not seem to be a preferred destination for many. Neither of us had really spent any time in D.C. and I particularly felt an important missing connection with my country’s history, so we set up camp in College Park, MD, just a short train ride from D.C.

There is a certain vibe along the National Mall and Memorial Parks area that is hard to describe. I guess it’s a combination of pride and patriotism along with that awe when you see something iconic for the first time in person. This feeling was no stronger then when visiting the Washington Monument, Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial. All those pennies I saved as a kid, and now here’s the real thing!

The museums are endless along the National Mall and there was no way to see them all so we had to prioritize. The National Archives Museum was certainly one of the highlights. Standing right in front of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights in the Rotunda was a surreal experience. These are the documents that defined our country and still do today, nearly 250 years later. In their presence it seemed that all of our political differenced were equalized. I do have to admit though that I did momentarily have a Nicolas Cage moment (reference National Treasure).

Visiting the US Capital was equally inspiring and we were even lucky enough to get a pass to the Senate Chambers. The building is so iconic to our country and its history. It’s a beautiful building and was amazing standing on the steps where so much of our history has taken place.

We spent a good amount of time at Arlington Cemetery and visited many of the famous gravesites such at the Kennedy Family Gravesite. Watching the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was a sobering, yet a very patriotic experience. It’s mind boggling to think that the Tomb has been guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the past 86 years. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sits on top of a hill overlooking the Pentagon in the distance. I couldn’t help but think about the guard on duty during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks when the plane crashed into the pentagon How he kept his composure during this is a level of commitment that is hard to comprehend.

The Holocaust Museum is a place that should be visited by all adults sometime in your lifetime. This representation of one of the most disturbing times in world history is so explicitly and accurately documented throughout the museum. It should be visited, not to relive the pain but to understand it so no one has to relive the pain. Allow yourself a half day for this, as you will find yourself slowing down and fully immersing yourself in the history once inside. It is raw and unfiltered and therefore may not be appropriate for younger children and those particular sensitive to this type of subject matter.

Washington D.C. isn’t about Red and Blue, or Liberal and Conservative. Rather, it’s a special place where our past and origin as a country is memorialized. It’s not a perfect country and those who came before us were not perfect individuals (and neither are we). However, the United States of America is the greatest country on the planet, not in spite of our imperfections but because of them. We must never forget our past. We are so fortunate that we have these memorials and museums to remember our past, celebrate our victories, and caution us to not repeat our mistakes as we continue our journey forward as a country. And if you’re ever in doubt, remember those who have fought and died to maintain our freedoms and liberties. God bless the United States of America.

Check out all of our pictures from Washington D.C.