Couldn't Ask For More: Washington D.C.

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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Today in History: August 10 The Smithsonian Institution

National Museum of American History

Outside the American History Museum

Stairs plus Kids

While in Washington D.C. last fall, we had the wonderful opportunity to spend a couple days going through a few of the Smithsonian museums. I have to admit, before our trip I didn't realize there were 19 museums and galleries along with 9 research centers. We were able to visit the Natural History Museum, the National Air & Space Museum near Dulles Airport, and the American History Museum. I felt like we didn't even make a dent. It was a challenge to just grasp a glimpse of the many treasures filling these amazing museums. It's hard to believe the Smithsonian houses over 137 million objects! Wow!

The Kevlar Bullet Proof Vest...Invented by a woman!

C3PO

R2D2 Mailbox

When we decided to visit the Smithsonian our goal was to better understand the American history we spent the previous year studying and to see artifacts up close.

With all the great history surrounding us, we failed to learn the history of the Smithsonian? How did such an amazing collection of treasures come to the United States. The Smithsonian has quite an interesting history.

James Smithson, a British scientist, who had never been to the United States left a unique provision in his will when he died in 1829. His will stipulated his estate would be donated to the United States of America if his nephew died without an heir. In the event there was no heir, Smithson wanted the estate to be given "to the United States of America, to found at Washington, under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge among men." His nephew died without and heir in 1935 and the estate, valued at over $500,000, was granted to the U.S. government.

On August 10, 1846 President James Polk, with approval from Congress, signed an act into law creating The Smithsonian Institution.

We're thankful for the generosity of one man, Mr. James Smithson! Thank You!

Practicing his speech.

Dum Dum want Gum Gum

Night at the Museum

So many priceless gems!

Julia, of Course!

Julia Child's Kitchen

After watching Julie & Julia, I couldn't resist!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Today in History: The Lincoln Memorial Dedication May 30, 1922

Not only is today Memorial Day, but it marks the anniversary of the day the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated.

President Warren G. Harding dedicated the memorial which took eight years to complete.

This past year we had the opportunity to visit the Lincoln Memorial for the first time. As the kids and I walked up to the steps we paused. Slowly we began to proceed up the many stairs. As I walked, my eyes began to well up with tears and they spilled out over my cheeks. The kids stopped, looked at me quizzically, and asked, "What's wrong, Mom?" Words could not describe the enormity of what I felt at that moment. President Lincoln was a brave and courageous man. A man who helped heal and bring unity to a broken nation. On the steps of that Memorial, many have also stood reflecting on Freedom, Integrity, and Virtue. I will never forget that visit. It is marked in my mind and on my heart.

Memorial Day- Let Us Not Forget

The Flag at Arlington National Cemetery

Memorial Day has been recognized in the United States since 1866, when Henry Welles, from Waterloo, New York suggested store owners, like himself, close their shops for one day to honor local soldiers killed in the Civil War.

Retired Major General Jonathan A. Logan had a similar idea in May of 1868. He honored the dead and the soldiers who had survived the war. Leading a procession of veterans through the town, General Logan went to the cemetery where they decorated the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flags. This day was known as Decoration Day.

Retired Major General Logan proclaimed,

"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country and during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."

Following the Civil War, many cities in the North and South set a day to honor the soldiers and decorate their graves with flags and flowers. Cities such as Waterloo, New York; Columbus, Mississippi; Richmond, Virginia; Carbondale, Illinois; Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, and others initiated these early memorials.

In 1882, Decoration Day was renamed Memorial Day honoring soldiers from previous wars also.

In 1971, Richard Nixon declared Memorial Day, the last Monday in May a federal holiday.

The Thursday before Memorial Day there is a tradition known as "Flags-in." At Arlington National Cemetery, the soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry place flags at more than 250,000 gravestones. The gravestones and flags are patrolled for 24-hours a day to make sure each flag remains standing. At 3:00 pm local time, all Americans are asked to pause in remembrance for a moment.

As part of our homeschooling adventures we were able to field trip to Washington D.C. this past year. I stood in awe, in tears many times as I looked upon the memorials. I am humbled by the service of our military. To them I am forever grateful!

May you honor those who willingly served our country and fought for the cause of freedom.

Arlington National Cemetery

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Changing of the Guard- an humbling emotional experience

Arlington National Cemetery

While in Washington D.C we were able to view an Honor Flight ceremony at the World War II Memorial. According to statistics, approximately 1,000 World War II veterans are lost daily. These veterans are Heroes! I'm so glad there is an organization that gives them the honor due.