...let freedom ring!

I had an unused airline ticket that would expire November 1st and so I decided to use it for a weekend getaway.  Probably because of the upcoming elections and my frustration with all of the contention that I witness on all fronts, I wanted and needed to feel patriotic.  In an effort to resurge my patriotism, I decided to take a trip to the roots of where I could honor our founding fathers of this great nation...Washington DC.  I was not disappointed.   As my husband and I walked the many miles around the monuments and read the inspiring words of our past great leaders, it was truly a much needed refreshment.

It is humbling to read the words on the inscriptions of these great monuments.  From Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Jefferson, to Martin Luther King, to Theodore Roosevelt.  I don't hear politicians speaking like they did...with great passion, love of county, love of fellow beings, and love of God.  Today, I'm sorry to say, they don't inspire, they seem only to attack.  Not until they break away from attacking and start dreaming, will they be able to inspire a nation to do great and mighty and even hard things.

My Father served in World War II.  I've always felt pride in his service for his country.  He quit high school after his junior year because he was drafted into the army.  In basic training he joined the paratroopers.  In 1945 he headed for the Pacific and was stationed in the Philippines where he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division.  My Father ended up being injured in a parachuting accident and happened to be on a hospital boat in Tokyo Bay when the armistice was signed.  I'm grateful for the brave men and women who served our country to protect freedoms.

In Washington DC there is a new World War II memorial (actually it's 10 years old) that I had not seen before.  It was not only beautiful, but inspiring!!  I wish I could have taken my Father there before he passed away.  He would have loved it and felt so honored by the beauty of the architecture.  It truly honors those brave servicemen and women.

Reflection from the Vietnam War Memorial and a view of the Washington Monument from the Jefferson Memorial.

Another new (1995) Memorial in DC is the Korean War Memorial.  Very powerful.  

A place I had never visited before was the Washington National Cathedral.  Breathtaking and inspiring!!  The stained glass is some of my favorite I have ever seen...vibrant and rich!  A place where all are welcome to worship, reflect and be inspired by this beautiful cathedral of worship.  

It was a timely and wonderful getaway.  May we all turn our hearts to the visions of our founding fathers and carry within us the message for which they gave their lives....let freedom ring!

steve+laura=magical delight!

Laura is the youngest daughter in a family of girls.   If I could use one word to describe her it would be "delightful!"  She loves life and sees the joy in all that surrounds her -- maybe that is what happens when you're the youngest child.  In her Father's toast, he simple stated...."Laura makes me laugh!"  What a great attribute to have!  And now enters her prince charming, Steve, who has added even more joy to her life.  Their love for each other was captivating.  The two of them have so beautifully begun their life adventure...with magical delight!