October18—It is raining, it’s pouring and Marg is snoring

We went to Arlington Cemetery as a tribute to all those who fought and especially to say thank you to those who made the supreme sacrifice. The rows and rows of white headstones creates a somber mood. JFK’s burial site is a large display but very subdued. His grave beside Jackie’s and their two infant children is warmed by the eternal flame and faces a half wall in which some of his famous sayings are engraved. We looked for Robert Kennedy’s grave site but did not find it. There is a simple white cross on it as per one of his last wishes in his will.

I went to see Audie Murphy’s grave site. He became a movie star after leaving the service where he earned dozens of medals and citations. This grave site is near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier which has been modified to add an unknown soldier from other wars. There is a guard who walks 21 steps and then turns and repeats that routine. This is done 24/7; rain or shine.

The last part of our tour of Arlinton was to visit Arlington House which sits atop a knoll on what used to be Robert E. Lee’s property and Arlington was his house. The view is toward the Mall. A powerful man who disagreed with Lee’s decision to surrender, decided Lee’s property was the best solution as a site for burying the many dead soldiers and started the burials before Lee had returned from the war.

Union Station will be 100 years old next year. It is a wonderful piece of decorative architecture. There are many cement life size guardians around the interior. The ceiling reminded me of a behive pattern. We had a late lunch there and did not have enough time to browse the shops as per our usual modus operandi when it comes to shopping.

Terry did manage to find some Godiva chocolate—extra dark and Marg came up with a pair of card making books.

I was pleased to learn that Ford’s Theatre is still operating. Mr. Lincoln would be glad to know that the scene of his death was still breathing life through dramatic performances.

Off to Annapolis tomorrow and the Carolinas. We are going to see if we can go down Cape Hatteras which is a long narrow strip of sandy areas. Will it be like the Magdeleine Islands off PEI but owned by Quebec. Stay tuned!

Cheers.