Artfully placed between Maryland and Virginia, on the
history Potomac River is the beautiful District of Columbia — home to capital
city of our nation. Washington is one of the greatest tourist destinations
in the world and millions of people who are looking to blend a little history
with a family vacation, business trip or political visit find that they
thoroughly enjoy its many distinctive features.
It is a spacious city, branching out in all directions. No picture can do it justice and a hasty inspection will not reveal its manifold wonders. One needs time to examine its massive and splendid architectural features and its interesting special departments in order to have appreciation for the city afterwards. The majestic Lincoln Memorial is a tribute to President
Abraham Lincoln and the nation he fought to preserve during the Civil war
of 1861-1865. It was built to resemble a Greek temple and it has
thirty-six Doric columns, one for each state at the time of Lincoln's death.
A sculpture of a seated Lincoln is in the center of the memorial chamber.
Inscribed on the south wall of the monument is the famous Gettysburg Address.
Lincoln's second inaugural speech is etched on the north wall.
To become well acquainted with the National Capital, and
to thoroughly enjoy its many distinctive features, an extended visit is
necessary. It is a spacious city, branching out in all directions, and
everywhere within it are numerous objects of interest and beautiful localities
which will repay careful and repeated inspection. But as hundreds of visitors
are pressed for time, and yet desire to see as much as possible, and the
most interesting things, a few hints and suggestions may be of service.
The Halls of Congress is a must visit and do not fail to ascend the dome
of the Capitol, even if it does require rather severe exercise.
With the Washington monument the citizens of the United states show their enduring respect and gratitude towards George Washington who earned the title "Father of his Country". With his leadership America gained independence. He was appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775 and he molded a fighting force that won independence from Great Britain. He was unanimously elected the first President of the United States.
The Jefferson Memorial was built in honor of the third President of the United States — Thomas Jefferson. He was the author of the Declaration Independence and one of the founding fathers of the USA. Besides being a politician, Jefferson was also an architect, a writer, musician, scientist and inventor. I have visited this beautiful city at least seven or eight times now and with every visit I find that there is so much more to come back for the 'next time'. Washington DC is the Nation's city and reflects the grandeur and importance of the American people. |
Arlington
National Cemetery is one of the most interesting places to visit in DC.
It comes as a big surprise when one realizes that it is not only hallowed
ground in which rest generations of American heroes, but it is also an
active cemetery with burials taking place every day. It touches the
heart of any visitor to see the Changing of the Guard At the Tomb of the
Unknowns. The inscription on the tomb says: "Here Rests In
Honored Glory An American Soldier Known But To God" The Tomb
contains the remains of unknown American soldiers from World Wars I and
II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War. Each was presented with
the Medal of Honor at the time of interment and the medals, as well as
the flags which covered their caskets, are on display inside the Memorial
Amphitheater. The Tomb is guarded 24-hours per day for 365 days per
year by specially trained members of the 3rd United States Infantry.
(The Old Guard)