how I spent my summer vacation

Playing tourist in Washington, D.C. is quite a magnificent experience.  At the Lincoln Memorial, this young man stood for a long time, reading Lincoln's Second Inaugural address.

The Washington Monument was quietly both imposing and graceful.

Letters and flags had been left for those honored by the Vietnam War Memorial, as those who visited were reflected in the polished stone.

Seeing so many families visiting these sites was somehow affirming.  And the World War II Memorial was especially poignant, as we still had the sweet memory of my father's memorial headstone at Arlington National Cemetery.

And, lest we not forget...

A happy Fourth of July to you all.