DC/NY/ Harmony trip (Day 4) July 5, 2018

July 5: (9673 steps) We spent another day in downtown D.C.  The van Mitchell’s rented got rear-ended by the park ranger in a side by side.  Jason had just parked and was leaving the van when it happened.  That meant he spent the better part of the day filling out reports and forms and getting a different van.  Darrel and I made a brief stop at the Smithsonian Natural and American History museums and then went to the Holocaust Museum.  It appeared we would not be able to go in because time sensitive tickets were required and we didn’t have time to wait for a chance to get in.  As an afterthought, I returned to the line to ask a question just as a gentleman came by with tickets for veterans and other public servants to use immediately.  He looked at me and I said with a smile, “I just drive a school bus.”  He asked how many tickets I needed.  When I said, “just two,” he said that was good enough and we were in within 5 minutes.  What I learned at the Holocaust museum helped me with some questions I’ve had regarding the Church’s relationship with the LGBTQ group. Rather than shun them, they have stood up for their human rights, made donations to their worthy projects, and even invited association through the arts and other common ground.  Hearing the story of Hitler’s rise to power made it clear that when we allow any group to be targeted, we can be certain others will follow.  Before long, our group is targeted and there is no one left to defend or petition for us.  Several groups were targeted before the Jewish people. The LGBTQ group was the very first.  Without resistance the regime gained momentum, confidence and strength.  Although I don’t agree in the least with the LGBTQ lifestyle,  I can see that protecting their civil rights as human beings is a safe-guard for our own.  The atrocities of the Nazi regime are unfathomable and unforgivable.  It is hard to imagine how another human can become so objectified that their lives have no value.  That can only happen by degree and in some ways society was and still can be a part of that. That evening we drove past the White House and National Capital buildings on our way to the Washington D.C. Temple.  It is closed due to renovations, but just being there made me feel at home.  One of the senior missionaries served on the high counsel with my brother, Mark.   We learned on this trip that the church makes the world a small one in deed.  

The huddle!  Grandpa's shirt says it all! "They call me Grandpa
because partner in Crime makes me sound like a bad influence."

The first Mitchell van was grey, but the 

bug in the park ranger's eye changed that.

 It wasn't a great day for this vehicle either.

Tin man?  No! aluminum man!

 Museum of Natural History

Inside the Natural History Museum.  It didn't look a 

thing like the scenes from "A Night at the Museum."

The bat mobile was in the American History museum.

Darrel can always find someone to chat with.

 Model of the Smithsonian Castle.

 The National Capital Building in passing.

 Washington D.C. Temple

The temple was closed for restoration as the right spire suggests.

The Visitor's Center was open and we enjoyed the history of temples.

The Portal Temple of the Israelites.

Solomon's temple in ancient Jerusalem.

 The Kirtland temple.

 The Washington D C temple. 

 Amy painting Captain Moroni.

    Amy's creation                                   Abby's creation.                     

 Andrew at the visitor's center.

Independance Day at Mt. Vernon (Day 3) July 4, 2018

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." 

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.