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...

2013 Rolling Thunder Part IV of IV-- USMC Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers, "The Saluting Marine"

Since spontaneously standing at attention and saluting bikes during the 2002 Rolling Thunder rally, USMC Staff Sergeant  (now retired) Tim Chambers has returned each year to pay tribute to the hundreds of thousands of  bikers who are, in turn, paying tribute to the nations fallen soldiers. 

Before the arrival of the bikes, civilians would approach Sgt. Chambers to thank him for his service or pass a few words of encouragement for what he does each year. 

Waiting for the bikes. 

An old vet thanks Sgt. Chambers.

Once, during an interview, when asked "Why the salute?" He replied "It's about the pain. A lot of these heroic guys still hurt and if I can relieve their pain for just one brief moment, then I've done my job."

Many bikers returned the salute.  I have each year I've ridden and each time it gives me chills.

I didn't realize the significance of this and the next two photos until later.  In this one, the father, a Vet himself, returns Sgt. Chambers salute...

As he lowers his salute, something great happens, his young son on the back of the bike, begins his own salute.

In completing his salute, he is honoring not only Sgt. Chambers, but his father and all who have served in one action!

As Sgt. Chambers held his salute to the passing bikes, a small group approached from his right.  They raised their hands and returned his salute.....

Then as they stood at attention, saluting an American Hero, a bugle player began a haunting rendition of Taps....

More on Staff Sgt. Tim Chambers, "The Saluting Marine" can be found here: http://www.thesalutingmarine.com/

2013 Rolling Thunder Part III of IV-- The Pentagon 9-11 Memorial

No visit to the Pentagon is complete without a stop at the 9-11 Memorial.

A biker reads the names of those who lost their lives in the attack. 

Benches representing the lives lost with the US Air Force Memorial in the background.  The old barracks in the photo are being torn down to make room for the expansion of Arlington National Cemetery. Sadly, they've run out of room....

When The Pentagon was rebuilt, this original, blackened stone was used as a reminder.  If you enlarge the photo, you can see September 11, 2001, engraved on it. 

The lighter colored stones in the middle are what was replaced.  I thought the plane flying over was an eerie contrast. 

A tour guide explains what they will soon be experiencing.

There is A LOT of hatred for Jane Fonda among bikers.  I can't recall ever seeing another person's name worn in this manner on patches.   If you don't know why, do some research and see where you stand on the subject...

A biker at the Pentagon memorial sign.