Washington DC – 15 July 2023

Since our bike tour ended yesterday at Mile 0 in Washington DC, it made good sense to take a day to relax and see a few National sites. The weather last night did not cooperate to take an evening tour – thunderstorms and lots of rain. Dinner ended up being in the Courtyard by Marriott’s Bistro which worked out well since everyone was tired after that final 40 miles.

Early morning breakfast and out the door by 7:30 AM. The weather will be a steam bath today – temps climbing to 91, real feel 100. Even this morning it is 79, real feel 89. Frank and I did not go exploring yesterday with the rest of our group. So we head off this morning – our first stop – Lincoln Memorial. Somehow always under construction of some kind (the marble pillars now) whenever I have been here! Regardless, a magnificent monument to President Abraham Lincoln.

Having been here before, it still impresses me. Inside the monument is the statue of Lincoln but also the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln’s 2nd Inaugural Address. The 36 columns outside are for the 36 States that were States when Lincoln was president. Outside on the top are the 48 States names – dedicated in 1922 – so no Alaska or Hawaii.

The view from the steps of the reflecting pool is visual moving – so many things to think about looking that direction from the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. speech and of course, Forest Gump.

A few more pictures of the Washington Monument – shooting into the sun’s direction so not as impressive as the first shot with a blue sky still visible.

Our next stop is the Korean War Memorial. Last time my family and I were in DC, this memorial was only a few statues and still under construction. Finally dedicated in 2022. Wow! An amazing tribute of remembrance of the USA and many other members of the United Nations citizens that fought and gave their lives in this war. Here is where the phrase – “Freedom is not Free” is emblazoned in granite. Remember.

The Vietnam War memorial is always moving for me. My brother served in Vietnam and made it home, thankfully. My son’s 2nd cousin also served in Vietnam and gave his life. Many women served as well and they now have a bronze memorial. This is a war my generation remembers because of the draft affecting many of our friends and family.

Ralph D. Tadevic, Geoff’s 2nd cousin, engraved on the Vietnam War Memorial; the only person I knew who died in the Vietnam war. He was 22 years old, served in the Army as a helicopter pilot., died in Phuoc Long Province.

In honor of my brother’s service in Vietnam: He served with Bravo Company 2nd battalion 505th Airborne Infantry 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne. Arrived in Vietnam on his 21st birthday. We were proud of him; sadly he passed away in 2017. He is the third person from the left.

Following the path to the National WWII Memorial at the end of the reflecting pool. Last time in DC, this memorial wasn’t even starting to be built. Given how significant this World War was in history, it is astounding nothing was done until 60 years later. Dedicated in 2004, almost 20 years ago when many WW2 Veterans would have already passed away. My father served in the Eighth Army Air Force, 801st/492nd Bomb Group as a navigator flying missions in a B-24 Liberator out of England as part of the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) group known as the “Carpetbaggers.” Towards the end of the war he flew in an A-26 dropping troops by parachute to fight in Berlin. He died April, 2000. Thanks, Dad for your service and instilling the importance of remembering our veterans’ service. Below is a picture of my dad (fourth from the left in the back row) next to their airplane Brer Rabbit.

The WW2 Memorial – lots of pictures. At each end there is a pavilion with a medallion on the floor and eagles flying over head. They are labeled Atlantic and Pacific with pillars and wreaths for each state. The fountains in front of the Atlantic and Pacific pavilion include the names of the various regions where the war was fought. At the end looking towards the Lincoln Memorial is a wall with Gold Stars. Everything is done with such meaning and inspiration, you will be moved. Well-done and deserving memorial to those who served and gave their lives to the cause. The various inscriptions around the plaza are perfect for reflecting on what this war meant to our country.

Fountains with names of the ‘theaters’ where the war was fought. May seem a bit boring look at these but it really woke me up to the fact that this war truly was fought everywhere!

And lastly, the inscriptions. Some of these you may recall, all are poignant.

Not more than a couple of blocks from these famous National Monuments and Memorials, near the Department of State building and George Washington University, the homeless are living. Sad to see this part of reality of our country in current times.🙁