July 4: (18, 552
steps) We drove to Mount Vernon and spent the major part of the day there. I will never forget being there on
Independence Day. That Plantation
carries a spirit with it that is real.
The reenactments were thrilling.
Once again, my heart confirmed the valiance, brilliance, and nobility of
George Washington. He was a visionary
man who was born in that time for an essential purpose. Later we visited Arlington Cemetery where we
witnessed the precision and dignity of the changing guards. I was touched deeply by the stone marking the
burying place of 2500 lost in the French and Indian War in a single
battle. We had hoped to watch the
fireworks, but by the time we found a place to park, they were pretty much
over. We heard they were impressive, although
not too long! Our neighbors shot of
fireworks until well after midnight, so I guess that makes up for it.
George Washington: "He was, indeed, in every sense of the words, a wise, a good, and a great man." Thomas Jefferson
"George Washington shaped the United States in both war and peace. He led the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. After 8 long years. his small force defeated the world's strongest military. The new nation looked to Washington as a unifying figure, electing him as the first President of the United States of America. Washington helped define the presidency by leaving office after two terms, setting the precedent of a peaceful transition of power."
"George Washington shaped the United States in both war and peace. He led the Continental Army against the British in the American Revolution. After 8 long years. his small force defeated the world's strongest military. The new nation looked to Washington as a unifying figure, electing him as the first President of the United States of America. Washington helped define the presidency by leaving office after two terms, setting the precedent of a peaceful transition of power."
Mount Vernon was the home of George and Martha Washington.
The spirit of this place speaks of his greatness and the refuge he found here.
The Tomb of George and Martha Washington
SLAVERY AT MOUNT VERNON
"In 1799, this estate was home to a community of 317 enslaved men, women and children who had no choice but to live here. Most of these enslaved people lived and worked on the four outlying farms as agricultural laborers. About 1/4 of the population worked on the mansion house farm as skilled laborers, such as, blacksmiths, carpenters, spinners, and seamstresses. In his will, Washington provided for the freedom of the 123 individuals he owned effective upon Mrs. Washington's death. She freed them early on January 1, 1801. The remaining 194 people, whether dower or rented slaves, remained enslaved after the death of General and Mrs. Washington."
A monument and memorial in honor of an unknown
number of slaves buried here has a sacred feeling.
This is a replica of a boat that would have been used during the time.
Washington owned 10 miles of water front on the Potomac River.
This River provided rich income for the estate.
This craftsman makes boats as they did in Washington's time.
This is a replica of the threshing floor invented and designed by George
Washington. He was a brilliant, visionary man, a problem solver & inventor.
He designed a system to thresh grain using horse power.
It increased the speed and yield of the harvest. This is the 2nd
floor of the structure where the grain fell, was swept up and stored.
This is inside the threshing barn on the top floor.
Anna, Ethan and Amy are inside a nearby slave home.
This is a rocking chair buggy.
Bands played to celebrate the 4th of July.
A Naturalization ceremony was held here to extend U.S.
citizenship to several people. Their stories were very
individual and the came from many different countries.
There were re-enactments throughout the day that were thrilling.
Cannons were fired.
Day time fireworks were displayed.
Here we are siting on George and Martha's porch,
watching the activity on the Potomac River
The Smiths arrived before us and we never did catch up with
them here, but Janna sent a picture to prove they too had
experienced Mount Vernon on Independence Day 2018.
A farewell photo from MT. Vernon
Next we headed for Arlington Cemetery.
We finally found the Smiths!
Can you see the Washington Monument in the background?
This is where President Kennedy is buried.
A flame burns over this hallowed spot day and night.
This civil war tomb touched my heart. For some reason
I thought of Heleman's 2000 stripling warriors as I stood here.
"Beneath this stone repose the bones of 2,111 unknown soldiers gathered after the war from the fields of Bull Run and the route to the Rappahannook. ( a river in eastern Virginia) Their remains could not be identified, but their names and deaths are recorded in the Archives of their country, and its grateful citizens honor them as of their noble army of martyrs. May they rest in peace. September. A.D. 1866"
Caden got better and better on his feet.
He had willing hands to help anytime he needed it.
The Tomb of the unknown solder
" Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God."
It is a coveted honor to be among those who guard
this spot day and night 365 days a year.
The precision of the guard is inspiring as well as symbolic.
This are the flags that have flown over those buried here.
The Colosseum behind this tomb is impressive.
Andrew was quite comfortable in the seat of honor.
