Visiting Washington DC—Put Politics Aside

It’s Easy to get Hooked on Visiting Washington DC

Go to our Nation’s Capital once. You’ll want to go again. And again.

There in 2006, I scheduled pre-classes before my conference started. That meant arriving on Saturday, giving me a half-day to explore the city (San Diego, Las Vegas, Chicago). That June in Washington, D.C. ended up being the month of the monsoons. The wonderful Smithsonian Museums were closed due to lack of power. No energy but my feet required, I walked throughout Arlington Cemetery before the storms struck. After that, I made the most of a nice hotel room with a view of Georgetown.

Washington, DC is American History

In the last ten or so years, my husband and I have driven to DC several times during various seasons. The city is only five-hours from Pittsburgh, whether driving the turnpike or the rural Route 40 we prefer. It is a trek we enjoy, stopping at different spots along the way to grab lunch. We relish the different terrain covering Pennsylvania to Maryland, or when we take a wider trip through West Virginia.

Sometimes we have an agenda, like the remembrance events tied to World War II and talks by author, Alex Kershaw. Other times, we wander around, deciding what to do each day. The breadth of memorials, museums, tours, and more. If you have the chance to visit, take it. I’ll be surprised if you don’t find yourself planning a repeat trip. 

The National Mall

The National Mall extends from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building. There are many memorials in and near this long stretch of land. 

Washington Monument 

While we have yet to take the elevator to the top of the obelisk, at 555 feet, it dominates the skyline. On the rise of ground it stands atop, you get a broad view of the city even without going to the apex. During one trip, we stumbled upon a kite festival. It was joyful to see the colors fluttering in the wind.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

My first adult trip to DC was a brief stopover on the way to the beach one hot summer. It was pre-digital camera and sometimes I forget things that didn’t happen digitally because they aren’t displayed in my iPhoto program. How sad!

There Jackie and I stood at The Wall, unexpected tears trailing down our cheeks. We were fringe kids of the Vietnam War—she graduated high school in ’75, me in ’77. We knew about it, read about in the paper, studied it in class, heard our parents discuss it, and saw it on the news, but we weren’t old enough to participate in it. Yet, here was this profound, changing-of-America memorial and we had no words, just sadness.

On subsequent trips, I’ve found Harry Griffith Cramer (Panel O1E Line 78) — a long ago relative and among the very first killed (1957) in Vietnam. I know very little else about Harry, but it makes me sad to see his name there.

It impresses me that even with the very young, people are quiet and contained at The Wall. Is it the long walk up to this imposing, growing piece of black granite? It is the personal impact of seeing name after name engraved here and knowing that each one represents a death, a life lost, someone still missing? It hits me each time, like a cold hand slapping my face: These people fought in a conflict that they may/may not have supported. But they did it for a multitude of reasons and they did not come home.

Arlington Cemetery

As an American, seeing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier always, always tugs at my heart and builds tears my eyes. It is a ritual to be observed with solemn heart and closed mouth. If you can, catch the opportunity to hear one of the guards explain what it takes to be them and the too-grueling-for-me work they have to do to become a guard. Times are posted near the site.

Arlington as a whole, can easily wipe out my emotions. The utter mathematical precision of it’s layout and the vast loss of life represented can overwhelm. It is a cemetery, so remember to be respectful and quiet. It is not, even with its multitude of pathways, a running course or picnic area. The Netherland Memorial is a simple, eloquent work of art representing the thanks of the Netherlands to the United States contributions to their liberation in WWII.

More Memorials to Evoke Emotion When Visiting Washington DC

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Our father served in the army during the Korean War, but did not fight. He served the bulk of his enlistment in Hawaii. That never lessened the affinity I hold for men of this era. As one veteran told me, “Your father was ready to go, that’s what counts.” This memorial is evocative with its just-so larger than life statues of GIs carrying heavy loads.

World War II Memorial

Last year, we attended an event here, put on by the Friends of the World War II Memorial with author Alex Kershaw. If you like reading non-fiction WWII books where the characters are vivid and memorable, indulge in any of Mr. Kershaw’s. He has the ability to intertwine facts with personalities to create a vivid narrative that often focuses on one key part of the war. Such as The Bedford Boys, The First Wave, and The Liberator. Excellent ways to learn about the unique men who became determined fighters and forever part of the greatest generation.

Find Happy Places When Visiting Washington, DC

As card-carrying Phipps Conservatory members, we are drawn to the abundance of growing things at The Botanical Gardens. In the summer, outside is a maze of green and every other color. In winter, the inside brings you every hue and startling bloom—from fuchsia-tinged orchids to yellow buds I can’t name.

We learned that to get easy access to a tour, you need only ask your Congressman’s office. Tours are almost only during the week, and so far we’ve had excellent docents at the Capital and the Library of Congress. Did you know, oh avid reader friends, that the Library is open to all of us? Yes, truly, open for us to use for research —there are guidelines to be followed, so check it out at www.loc.gov.

If you are into researching your ancestry, we discovered last weekend that the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have a vast library that is open to the public! They are eager for members, so check your lineage and apply. A wide variety of connections may entitle you to membership. In the meantime enjoy their huge museum of state-named period-designed rooms. The attic toy room is particular fun.

DC Experiences Not to be Missed

One brisk March we stumbled upon the cherry blossoms along the Tidal Basin—we thought it would be too cold. Another March we caught wind of a kite festival at the Washington Monument.

This time we tried to find the Seabees Memorial, but it remained elusive. However a couple of trips ago, we made it to the Netherland Memorial (a simple work of art) and the Iwo Jima statue. Iwo Jima is in a dip of land just outside the cemetery, but once you spot it in the distance it grows and grows until you can’t believe how large it really is. The flag the men have raised is huge and furls beautifully in the wind.

DC Has a Multitude of Free Museums

The Smithsonian Museums are not to be missed and not to be sped through. Take your time and only see one or two on any given day. The Hope Diamond resides in one, the Apollo Capsule in another, the Castle holds many works of art. The thing that stuns me every trip is: They are free. Free museums! How delightful is that?

Near Dulles Airport is a newer Smithsonian: The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, National Air and Space Museum. It contains everything from the Nieuport 28C.1 (the first US fighter aircraft—who knew?) to the Discovery Shuttle. They ask a nominal parking fee, but the museum is free.

The US Holocaust Memorial Museum is difficult. Be mentally prepared. We made it through the first part, but did not use our Timed Passes (required March-August) to enter the Permanent Exhibit. We were emotionally drained.

At the National Archives, you stand before the Charters of Freedom (reserve a time through your Congressional office or go off-season) in awe of the bravery it took to split the colonies from British rule.

Don’t skip the National Postal Museum. It’s so much fun!

Getting Around Washington, DC

Some people I know shudder at the thought of driving around DC. Easy solution: Don’t. We never do. We park the car at the hotel and are done with it until the return trip home. The Metro is the easiest public transportation system I’ve used in the States. (The Pittsburgh T should go there to learn how it’s done.) The Metro staff are excellent and completely patient with your questions, passengers are polite and friendly. Simply purchase a round trip pass or all day ticket, grab a small Metro map and you’re set to go. Look at the map, pick the furthest point on the line/direction you want to go and hop on. The stops are clearly signed as you approach each station.

Visiting Washington, DC

There are many monuments and memorials to see in our Nation’s Capital, without politics entering your mind. It’s flat, wheelchair friendly, people are nice, dining is everything from casual pizza joints to elegant five-star restaurants. Don’t miss a chance to go!

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Read: US Holocaust Memorial Museum