This weekend I was able to go to the Newseum, a museum dedicated to the media. This was one of the best museums that I have been to. At first, I thought it might be a little boring and I wasn’t sure if I had just blown $20 on it, but I was surprised how interesting it was. The museum had a number of sections of the Berlin Wall, as well as one of the watch towers from a check point along the wall. Inside the museum was the actual Unabomer’s cabin, as well as newspaper articles from the event. The best exhibit was the Pulitzer Prize display. There were copies off all the images that have been given this award and it was an interesting way to view history through photography. One of the rooms was filled with the front covers of newspapers covering important events throughout American history. In the September 11, display there were hundreds of newspapers reporting on the events, which were displayed 2 stories up the walls and in the center of the display was one of the communication towers from the World Trade Center. The museum is located on Pennsylvania Avenue and from the top of the building you get a great view of the Capitol.

While I was walking around, I walked past the United States Navy Memorial, located just north of the National Archives. Every Monday, The Washington Center has events planned in the afternoon for us to go to. When I get off of work on Mondays, I go to the Navy Memorial and sit outside and eat lunch with some of my friends. There are a number of delis in this area and tons of people go here to sit and eat their lunch outside.

I was heading over to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial and decided to walk past the White House. When I was on the back side of the White House I saw that the National Christmas Tree was already up and people were decorating it. I guess it is that time of year, but I still think it is a little early. I then started heading for the Roosevelt Memorial and right when I got there I looked over towards the Washington Monument and saw that the Presidential Helicopter was landing on the White House lawn. If only I had stayed around the White House for 15 more minutes then I would have been able to see the president getting off the helicopter. However, I did get some good pictures of the helicopter and the Washington Monument in the background.

While walking around the Tidal Basin to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, you are able to get a good view of the Jefferson Memorial. The Roosevelt Memorial is very different than many of the other memorials. This memorial was not a big structure, but a maze of rock structures with waterfalls in them. The walls were engraved with many of his quotes, which took you through his years as president. It was an interesting memorial, in that it was near the Mall, but it was somewhat secluded with all there trees, rocks and water features.

Cold and wet, but it was worth it…

On Veterans Day I went to Arlington to observe the ceremonies to honor our veterans.  I wanted to make sure that I was able to get a good seat in the amphitheater where the event was to take place, so I arrived in plenty of time.  I was standing outside the gates of Arlington Cemetery at 6:45 am.  I was a little early, but soon after people started coming and the line began to grow.  I was the fifth person in line.  At 8:00 they let us in the gates and directed us to shuttle buses that would take us to the amphitheater.  It was nice to get on the bus because it was about 45 degrees and raining.
 

When I arrived at the amphitheater there were a number of metal detectors that I had to go through.  Once past the metal detectors I could either go to the back of the amphitheater to watch as President Obama laid the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or go inside the amphitheater to see the other events.  I decided to go inside where most of the events were to take place.  I sat in the cold rain for two more hours until 10:30.  That is when the United States Air Force Concert Band started to play.  President Barack Obama, the First Lady, Vice-President Joe Biden and his wife arrived and took their seats.  The ceremony began around 11:30 with the National Emblem March, where veterans marched to the front caring flags.  The ceremony began with a prayer for veterans, given by the Director of Veterans Affairs Chaplain Service.

President Obama then spoke for about 10 minutes honoring those individuals who have served in our armed forces.  It was a great opportunity to pay respect to those who have served our country.  There are not many opportunities for the average citizen to personally see and listen to the President speak, so if that is something that interests you, this would be a good way to get the chance.  No tickets are required to attend, so the earlier you arrive the better seat you get.

After the ceremony I was tired, cold, and wet.  However, I am glad that I went because I will probably never have the opportunity to go again.  If you spend a fall semester interning in DC I recommend you take advantage of the privilege to pay your respects and honor those who have served and are now serving our country by attending any of Veterans Day ceremonies that are held in Washington DC.   
     

The leaves are turning and the air is cooler….Fall is here in D.C.

This week I decided to try and get away from the city and Theodore Roosevelt Island was a great place for that. The only way to get to the island is by crossing the long wooden bridge across the Potomac River. There are a few miles of trails that wind through the island with a memorial in the center dedicated to President Theodore Roosevelt. It was nice to be in the woods again because it reminded me a little of home. However, back home when I go hiking in the woods I don’t here planes flying over every 5 min or the constant sound of sirens. It was nice to get away from all the people, if only for an hour.

Just down the road from my apartment in Alexandria, VA is The George Washington Masonic Memorial. The memorial was built by the Freemasons and it was a great place to go and see the city of Alexandria from the top of the tower. Upon entering the temple there is a 30 foot tall sculpture of George Washington. There are free tours throughout the day, which last about an hour. On the tour we traveled up many floors, which depict different aspects of Freemasonry. I knew very little about the Freemasons before I went on this tour, but learned a great deal while there. There is a large collection of items that belonged to George Washington, including the George Washington Family Bible, the chair that he sat in when he was a Freemason, and his desk. At the top of the monument there is an outside observation deck, where you can see the city of Alexandria and Washington, D.C.

The tower was located on the West side of King Street in Alexandria. King Street is filled with restaurants and shops. It is a great place to go and is just outside of DC. I would recommend going to Gadsby’s Tavern. The tavern was built in 1785 and was visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and many other political figures. This was the location of several receptions and balls held in honor of some of the earlier Presidents of the United States; and a place full of history. Below is a picture taken from the top of the Masonic Memorial looking down King Street in Alexandria.

One of the top five places I have visited while in DC is the National Rifle Association Museum. I am a huge advocate of my Second Amendment rights and it was nice to visit the most active organization trying to protect this right. The museum was filled with thousands of guns which showed the development of guns over the years. There were guns that appeared in famous movies, such as the gun used by Inspector Callahan in the movie Dirty Harry. One of the exhibits showed the evolution of weapons used by the United States Military. The museum is located a little ways outside of D.C., so unless you want to ride the bus for an hour, you better have a car to get there. Still, its is a great place to visit while in the D.C. area.