Yesterday was a long, tiring, travel day and we were more than happy to get to bed last night, (notice the PJ’s I have on in the photo). Unfortunately we forgot to turn on the heat be before we went to bed and none of us slept because of the frigid temps.
We began our early today by catching the metro at 7:15 as to to be at the University of The District of Columbia Auditorium by 8:15. After sitting though the typical welcome messages and student life reminders we met our faculty director- Steve Bell. Aside from his academic credentials and professional resume Mr. Bell continued to impress me with his ability to address and engage such a large/diverse crowd. His introduction presentation has left me anticipating to hear his upcoming lectures.
At the end of today’s speakers we had the opportunity to take a bus tour through all monuments around Washington. Though I have been to D.C. numerous times, I always enjoy visiting the monuments and memorials. We spent the most time around the Vietnam/Lincoln memorials. As a senior in high school my government teacher looked up his cousin who went missing during the Vietnam War. I took the opportunity to do the same this trip. I have always been moved by the Wall but this was my first time actually looking for an engraved name. That experience was unique for me, and I was especially moved to see flowers someone had left for a solider who died in Vietnam on January 13th 1968.
It was also exciting to see the city setting up for the Inaugural events. The stage for the Inaugural concert (with Aretha Franklin) is already being set-up on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Watching the preperations for next Tuesday is adding to my excitement for the swearing in.
Traveling to each memorial was tiring but walking to FDR’s we got a special treat. As we were traveling to the site sirens began filling the air. We turned to see what was going on and the Presidental motorcade drove by. It was exciting to see the White House helicopters and presidential limo (flags and all) go by.
I am most excited to hear from David O’Connor tomorrow. He is a special agent in the secret service and is supposed to be a fanastic speaker.
Here’s to hoping we don’t freeze in our sleep tonight-
