An Afternoon at Washington DC's "Closed" WWII Memorial

I joined a group of bikers for a ride to the closed WWII Memorial this afternoon.  The goal of the group was not to disrupt anything, but to assist in ensuring none of the Honor Flights were turned away.   When we arrived, it was clear the memorial was still closed but that soon changed when the Park Police, who were thoroughly professional and polite, allowed us access.  We quickly met up with several older Veterans around the memorial and were honored to shake their hands and thank them for their service. 

Below is WWII Veteran "Bob" who turned 88 years old today.  He was the center of attention and seemed to be thoroughly enjoying it, as he rightly deserves!!!! 

This is indicative of the day.

Bob was kind enough to pose for a portrait for me. 

Shortly after we entered the Memorial, a lot of the tourists in the area followed suit.  There were more people here today than I see on most visits!!  

It was great to see so many of the older Vets visiting their memorial. 

This guy posed for a shot also.

The news took note of what was going on and several camera crews and reporters arrived to conduct interviews.

In the end, NO Vets were denied access to the Memorial........

A Furlough Day At the US Capitol (Part II of II)

Continued from Part I -- Photos from a day at the Capitol trying to capture the imagery of the shutdown.  Several furloughed Government employees gathered in front of and behind the Capitol with signs expressing their frustration at the shutdown.

This is the face of frustration.  

Hopefully they can put their signs away for good soon......

A Furlough Day At the US Capitol (Part I of II)

I spent a good part of October Third at the Capitol trying to capture the imagery of the shutdown.  There was a large Capitol Police presence as noted above, and several protesters.   

I didn't recognize this Senator but people were pretty interested in what he had to say. 

Arkansas Senator John Boozman addresses the crowd.

 "Freedom" statue on top of the Capitol Dome.

 I was surprised at the amount of Government employees willing to carry signs and pose for pictures.

This individual had a lot to say and said it for a couple hours.  One thing he pointed out was that NASA uses mind control on US citizens.  

Oh no he's not going there......

Yep, he went there.

Two women were selling "Furlough Cookies," until.......

The Capitol Police put a stop to it.  He did let them rip the word 'buy' from their sign and continue to ask for donations. 

I just don't know what to say about this one....

 I thought it was getting weird......

Then Jesus showed up.

Continued on Part II........

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.