More pictures from D.C.

This engraving is located at the WW II Memorial. It's a large and beautiful site with strking fountains, and a pillar for every state -- very impressive. I love that our kids (and Jim and I) could see that appreciation and honor demonstrated for U.S. servicemen and women.

Of course, everyone recognizes this as the Arlington National Cemetery. It was heartwarming to see that propriety and dignity are still, in fact, alive and well in this country. Throughout the grounds signs remind visitors that this is "hallowed ground" and not a place for "picnics...and child's play" and to respect the dead, as well as those who are attending burials and visiting the graves of loved ones in the cemetery. More than 25 burials occur on an average day on these grounds. There were many visitors/tourists walking through the cemetery, but I didn't hear any shouting or raised voices, or see anyone goofing off or being rowdy.

We did watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Impressive that the tomb is patrolled 24/7/365.

I'll post a couple more pictures of sites over the next few days. The neat thing about D.C. is that nearly everywhere is free to visit -- all the Smithsonian Museums, all the various buildings and monuments -- even the National Zoo. We even squeezed in a quick visit to the zoo, since we all wanted to see the Giant Pandas. I'll post those pics tomorrow.

My very favorite place was the Lincoln Memorial. It's something I've always wanted to see, and I was not at all disappointed. It's really an awe inspiring site.