For the last eight years, I've been talking about getting downtown when the
Cherry Blossoms peak, but to no avail. It's always been something, usually too busy, the weather, etc. But this year, Edie, Paul and I all had the day off, so there were no more excuses.
The weather was fabulous...clear skys and temps heading up into the 70's. After parking at Paul's office, we walked the few blocks to the
White House. Secret Service and police were assembling, along with a crowd, so we knew President Obama would be coming out soon, most likely to attend Easter services at a church downtown. So we patiently waited.
At last the motorcade left. It was a nice way to begin our day in the Nations Capitol.
When the President is gone, the police open up the street to pedestrians again, giving everyone their photo opp. It was not so very long ago that this was a working street, with cars passing at all hours of the day and night. Now this back side of the White House is barricaded and open only to pedestrian traffic.
Immediately across the street from the White House, is
Blair House. This is a wonderfully historic building, where the incoming President spends the night before the swearing in ceremony, and taking up residence at the White House.
I couldn't resist taking a picture of my favorite building in downtown DC. Here is the
Old Executive Office Building, also right across the street from the White House.
On our way to the Tidal Basin, we walked past the
Washington Monument. Always majestic and lovely.
Across from the
Tidal Basin is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. They had a beautiful banner strung up, which said, 'Celebrating the Gift of Trees'.
Ah...here is why we had come downtown. Past their peak by a few days, but still incredibly beautiful. The Tidal Basin was littered with paddleboats and the walkways were jammed with families and tourists all taking in the beauty of these famous trees.
I don't think there is a bad view from anywhere around the Tidal Basin. The
Jefferson Memorial is beautiful from all sides.
The man himself.
Another reason I wanted to come downtown was that Edie and I had never visited the
World War II Memorial. My father and all his brothers were WWII veterans. My parents lost many of their high school friends in the war. It shaped a generation and we reap the benefits of their sacrifices on a daily basis.
The memorial is nothing but stunning and awe inspiring.
This is a large memorial, with spectacular views.
Looking towards the
Lincoln Memorial from down in the WWII Memorial.
The Pacific side of the Memorial. The base inside is enscripted with the battles waged on that front.
This is a powerful and emotional place.
"We are determined that before the sun sets on this terrible struggle our flag will be recognized througout the world as a symbol of freedom on the one hand and of overwhelming force on the other." General George C. Marshall.
We left the WWII Memorial and walked along the side of the
Reflecting Pool towards the Lincoln Memorial.
This photo cannot possibly give the impressive size of Lincoln. Above him is enscribed:
"In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincolm is enshrined forever." 
Here we are looking out from the top of the Lincoln Memorial towards the Washington Monument. When I was a child, my parents would bring us to the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to watch fireworks on the 4th of July. The display was set against the backdrop of the Washington Monument. It was quite spectacular.
When we left the Lincoln Memorial, we were weary and sunburned, but also patriotic and happy. As we approached the corner, the police quickly barricaded the street and stopped traffic. President Obama's motorcade was coming through. And this time, he was only about 30 feet from us in his limo. We got a good look. How thrilling! Twice in one day!
What a great way to end the day and spend Easter. Have a wonderful knitting week!
