2000 Oct 25 Pentagon & Arlington

Today is a full day in Arlington, Virginia First, we visited the fortress ... the USA Defense Headquarters ... The Pentagon, Virginia - symbol of American power and influence - across the Potomac River.

This is the inside courtyard at the center of The Pentagon.

Began construction on Sep 11, 1941 and completed on Jan 15, 1943 (during WWII period), this fortress has 5 rings and 5 floors, housing all the Departments of Defense. (Shocking Fact: It was hit exactly on Sep 11, 2001 by a hijacked plane ... 60 years later!)

After Pentagon, we visited the memorials in Arlington, Virginia ... Iwo Jima National Memorial, ...

... Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier.

There was a Wreath Laying at Tomb Of The Unknown Soldiers at Arlington, Virginia

This is Kennedy Gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia The eternal flame was first lighted on Nov 25, 1963 and burns continuously over the grave of John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America. Speaking at Arlington National Cemetery on Nov 11, 1963, President Kennedy had prophetically said, "I could stay here forever." Nearby, a simple white wooden cross marks the site of Robert Kennedy's grave.

Mount Vernon - Home of the Father of the country since 1754, George Washington's beloved Mount Vernon is a National Shrine, where Americans and people from all lands visit out of respect for the memory of George Washington and for the enduring principles which he exemplified in both war and peace. (Did you see that apple tree?)

At night, we were invited to a military reception hosted by General and Mrs Robert W Noonan Jr at Fort Myer Officers' Club, Virginia

2000 Oct 23 Norfolk & Williamsburg

Today we boarded the USS Enterprise CVN-65 at Norfolk, Virginia and USA Capital at Washington D.C. First time in the state of Virginia This is the largest nuclear-powered US aircraft carrier. 

... Top Gun ...

... You Have Control!

... aircraft parking area in the hull ...

Next stop, we visited Colonial Williamsburg to learn how the Founding Fathers laid the groundwork for this great nation. Williamsburg was the state capital of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 before the Revolutionary War and the call for independence.

Finally checked in to our hotel at Hotel Washington in Washington D.C. which is not one of the 50 states, but it's an important part of the U.S. The District of Columbia is the USA's capital. Congress established the federal district from land belonging to the states of Maryland and Virginia in 1790.

Our hotel overlooks The White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Wow, so close! And we would be visiting The White House this week.

... Night walk at Washington D.C. ...

Jefferson Memorial ...

Washington Monument Park ...

Lincoln Memorial ...

... enjoying the night walk ...