The Vietnam Wall at Sunrise

 The Vietnam Wall is one of my favorite Memorials because of it's stark simplicity and what it means to so many people.  I hope these shots can convey what it's like to stand in this somber spot as the sun comes up and the day is new and full of possibilities.  

The Washington monument reflected on the names of the fallen.

The Wall is officially part of the Vietnam Veterans memorial, along with the Three Soldiers Statue and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. 

Even after all of these years, those left behind, whether they be family members or brothers in arms, still feel the pain of their loss as if it was yesterday. 

It seems someone moved the gates away from the previously-closed Vietnam Wall (as it is part of a National Park) which allowed all who wished to, to practice their First Amendment rights. 

Early Morning on The National Mall and Around Washington DC

I spent the day all over Washington DC, trying to capture the feel of the city during the Government shutdown.  I started early in the morning at the Capitol and wandered kinda aimlessly for hours.  This blog and the next couple, will cover what I saw.

National Art Gallery.

Flags at the base of the Washington Monument and the Capitol Dome in the early light. 

Looking East from the WWII Memorial.

WWII Memorial.

Seems someone tore down the barricade at the WWII Memorial.

Two angles of the sunrise.  I couldn't decide which one to put on here so you get them both....

Fountain at the Federal Reserve Board.

Amerigo Vespucci Memorial on the lawn of the Organization of American States. This is who this country is named for. 

Daughters of the American Revolution, Memorial Continental Hall.

New York Presbyterian Church reflection.

One Million Bones On The National Mall

I was walking across the National Mall the other day when I found myself dodging bones.  Bones everywhere!  I've seen many things in DC, but nothing like this.....

Seems they were part of the One Million Bones project who's mission is to raise awareness of genocides and crises occurring in Sudan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia.

One Million Bones was launched In 2010 and resulted in 1,000,000 bones being spread across Washington DC's National Mall in early June, 2013, in remembrance of genocide victims and survivors, and to raise awareness of the issue.

I got to walk through this!  I can't take credit for this shot.  It's from http://www.onemillionbones.org/ where you can find out more about this project.

Also, check out http://theartofrevolution.org/ for more info

Hashtag #onemillionbones on Twitter will lead to many more pics.

Piles of bones...........

June 8, 2013, at The Supreme Court. Red Duct Tape on The Mouth. What does it mean?

Life

The Supreme Court as it undergoes renovation.

I always say one of the most amazing things about Washington DC is that you never know what you will experience.   Case in point; we happened upon this gathering today at The Supreme Court.  Didn't know what it was at first, but anytime people are exercising their rights for something they believe in, I'm intrigued, whether their beliefs end up being my own or not.  

Turns out these are participants of a 'Silent Siege' on the steps of the Supreme Court.  The Pro-Life group notes this is not a protest, but a prayer meeting. 

So what does the Red Tape mean?  The Bound4life website states: "When LIFE is written on a piece of red tape and placed over our mouths, we are identifying with the silence of the pre-born who have no voice to defend themselves. In that place of weakness, prayerlessness is no longer an option. Hearts become tender and broken toward this unthinkable tragedy. A sense of urgency grows within."

How long could you keep duct tape on your mouth?  I don't think I could do it all day.

No matter what your politics are, the fact that we have the right to do this when, in many other countries, the penalties for speaking your mind can be severe or even deadly-- is awesome! 

Can't wait to see what we'll experience on our next visit...