Day 3 - Mount Vernon, Arlington, National Mall

Always be on the lookout for the presence of Wonder - E. B. White

A perfectly wonderful weather day to visit George Washington's Mount Vernon estate, museum, and gardens including the mansion, tomb, and pioneer farm.  The mansion overlooking the Potomac River is detailed to look as it did in 1799.  It was incredible to think we were walking through the house of our nation's first President and viewing the same scenic vistas that George and Martha experienced while living there.

I knew our tour guide would have some off-the-beaten-path places to share, and Tim did not disappoint!  After leaving Mount Vernon, we made a quick stop at Gravelly Point Park which is located north of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport along the George Washington Parkway and across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.  Knowing the direction the planes were landing, Tim positioned us in just the right spot to see the jumbo jets coming in directly overhead.  Ross was sure he could touch the plane as it buzzed our heads, and Mary ran back and forth trying to decide where she would be the safest if the plane didn't quite make it's intended destination.  What a rush!

 

Our Nation's most hallowed ground was next on the tour.  Hundreds gather on the steps to view the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery every day...except for the birds chirping and the clicking of the guards heels as he glides back and forth in front of us, you could hear a pin drop.   The Tomb Guard marches 21 steps down the black mat behind the Tomb, turns, faces east for 21 seconds, turns and faces north for 21 seconds, then takes 21 steps down the mat and repeats the process. After the turn, the sentinel executes a sharp "shoulder-arms" movement to place the weapon on the shoulder closest to the visitors to signify that the sentinel stands between the Tomb and any possible threat. Twenty-one was chosen because it symbolizes the highest military honor that can be bestowed -- the 21-gun salute.  The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God."  It was heartwarming to feel the respect and reverence from everyone around us as we watched.

Mary was really looking forward to our next stop.  In our homeschool studies this past year, we read about Abraham Lincoln and then, of course, had to see the Lincoln movie when it came out, so this memorial held special meaning for her.  Ross discovered a few details he had missed when first visiting the monument on a 4-H trip six years ago, too. 

 

 

And, of course, in the 30+ years since I visited our Nation's Capital, there were several new discoveries in store for me.  In August of 2011, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake struck the Washington, D.C. area causing damage to the 555-foot Washington Monument.  As the Monument swayed from the quake, some of its exterior marble panels cracked and pieces broke off.  Inside the Monument, many of the granite stones that support the structure cracked.  Most of the damage was in the pyramid-shaped top, called the pyramidion.  Project repairs are underway and the scaffolding surrounding this monument will remain in place for probably quite some time. 

In our walk around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, we experienced the awe and wonder in paying our respects at the memorials for the Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, and WWII.

 

The Seven Wonders of the World - Rohne Style--Wonder #2:  I wonder how many people walk around the National Mall every year to take in the magnificent architectural tributes?  I am so very glad both my kids have now had the privilege to view these historic landmarks.

 

A lot of walking today, but so worth it with all we got to see.  It was especially thrilling to watch Mary taking all the sites in for the first time.