Young at Heart Fall Trip – Washington DC – Day 3

Because it is Sunday, we began the day with a short devotional time aboard the bus, including singing some old favorite choruses.

Then, we continued our touring of Washington DC with Justin, our guide. We started our tours at the Arlington National Cemetery. This was certainly a time of quiet respect for those who served our Country in the military.

All of us know men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Over 300,000 men and women are buried at this location.  We were able to visit the grave sites of the Kennedy’s including John, Jackie and two children, plus his brother.

The cemetery is on the site of the original Ulysses Grant home. Ulysses never returned to the home following the Civil War because it was used as this cemetery and two Union Generals were buried on the front lawn. His wife did return but never even reentered the home.

One location that everyone visits at Arlington is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We were there to see the changing of the guard.

After this ceremony we used this amphitheater site for our Annual Fall Trip group photo. See who you recognize!

We also saw the mast of the Maine. A number of the men who lost their lives during the Spanish American War (where the Maine was sunk) are buried on this site.

Another must see site is the statue of Iwo Jima also known as the Marine Monument.

Following Iwo Jima, we went to the Smithsonian. Unfortunately, we really didn’t have time or energy (speaking for myself) to see all of the museums. Actually, I think it would take several days to do this justice. We ate there then viewed the exhibits. Nancy and I chose to do the Air and Space Museum.  So, for now, you are stuck with my photos from that experience. I know others visited other museums and sites, so maybe we can cover some of those in another blog post.

I think it is fitting that the first photo be of the Wright Brothers airplane. They had a nice exhibit but I think ours here in the Air Force Museum and also Carillon Park are superior. Still, I have to admit to seeing and learning things that I did not know. For example did you know that a number of songs were written about the Wright Brothers and their wonderful flying machine! One was called “Song of the Wright Boys”.

Rather than give further narrative of the museum, here are additional photos:

We ended the day with a fun dinner and entertainment by Efi Tovia Xperience. Some of our people took this opportunity to dance with the music. I won’t explain what dance they were doing because I don’t have a clue. We also used this opportunity to make friends with people from other tour groups.

All it all, this has been a great time in Washington. We leave in the morning and may not have reason for additional photos, but if we do have more, we will add a Day 4.