DC - Vietnam Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is one of the more famous memorials in Washington DC. It includes a statue of three soldiers, who are looking towards the wall.

The famous wall contains the names of those missing and killed in the war. The sheer number of names is overpowering, and it's very sobering to remember that each of these names was a real person, with family, and hopes and dreams like all of us. These aren't statistics, and I can't think of a memorial that more powerfully brings home the impact of war.

Immediately after this last picture, the skies opened up with a heavy DC storm and we got out of the rain as quickly as we could.

Again, it's impossible to properly thank all those who have served their country, and especially those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

DC - Lincoln Memorial

Here are some pictures of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, from our summer vacation.

This one is taken between the two rows of columns that form the entrance.

A couple of nighttime shots give the memorial a different feel.

There had been a re-dedication that day so there was still some fencing around, visible in this picture.

DC - Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial consists of a wall with etched faces that appear to be looking out at the viewer.

Opposite the wall (and reflected in it) are statues of soldiers.

And there's a peaceful reflecting pool.

Many thanks to those who served in Korea.

DC - FDR Memorial

I've still got some pictures left from the DC trip earlier this year and I'll try to get them posted in the next few weeks. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is a large, walk-around memorial with numerous fountains and themed areas representing different areas of his life. It's a little off the central area of the Mall but it's worth the small detour as it's a unique and memorable monument to a remarkable man.

DC - Jefferson Memorial

After visiting the Washington Monument, we walked around to many of the other memorials on or near the National Mall. The Jefferson Memorial feels very substantial, an appropriate memorial for a remarkable man.

Inside is a huge statue under a domed roof.

And four famous quotations are inscribed on the walls - here's one that any American should recognize.

DC - Arlington Cemetery & WW2 Memorial

That afternoon we visited Arlington National Cemetery, a very sobering reminder of those who gave their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms. John F. Kennedy's grave is shown here, with its eternal flame.

Here's a view of the National Mall from the cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The changing of the guard.

And rows and rows of graves.

In the evening we took a walk around the mall at night. Most of those shots will go up when I put up pictures of the various monuments and memorials, but here are some of the World War II Memorial. Due to weather we didn't get back to that one in the daytime. Please bear in mind that I had no tripod, so these are hand-held night shots.

Many thanks to our veterans and those who are currently serving our country. This day really brought home what you are all doing for us.