Build Kindness Not Walls

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On the National Mall at the Women’s March on Washington, January 21, 2017.

Washington, D.C. – People II

This should be about the museums, and believe me, they are awesome, but I’ve been a people-watcher from a way back. After Sweetie went back to the hotel, I had more freedom to wander down whatever photographic road I wanted to.

A tender touch.

Reading in the sun. As you can see, the morning rain and clouds were gone.

Middle-school kids at the National Sculpture Garden fountain.

Joggers at the Capitol Building Reflecting Pool. It was windy that afternoon, hence, not very reflective. They look like Marines to me.

Sometimes I don’t just watch people. I talk to them. The three dogs were a natural “in” for me. I couldn’t’ resist going up to them for a quick pet and in doing so I found out these fellows had just jumped in their car that morning for a spur-of-the-moment trip. They asked me where 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was.

“You mean, the White House?” ( I loved that they asked for it by the address)

“Yes,” they replied.

“Well,” I said, “That street over there is Pennsylvania Avenue, so you can follow that. Or, just walk the Mall until you get to the Washington Monument and then hang a right.”

I’d taken this couple’s photo in front of the National Gallery and ran into them again at the Reflecting Pool. This time I took the opportunity.

One of these days, when I go to D.C. I will have a complete and unobstructed view of the capitol dome. The first time there was scaffolding around the dome, last spring it was bulldozers and heavy equipment, and this time there was this massive tent. I was still able to get some good shots – I just had to get closer.

Boy at the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial at the Capitol Building Reflecting Pool.

If one waits for a monument to be completely free of people, one will wait a long time. Solution: make them part of the photograph. I think people make these sorts of shots more interesting anyway. They often provide color and perspective, and as I said, I like to shoot people.

Freshman Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D), from Illinois’ 17th district, posing with a group of her constituents on the steps of the Capitol. (No, I didn’t know off-hand who she was, but I’m good at research. Google is my friend.)

Day 2 started with breakfast, and then on the National Air and Space Museum. This was Sweetie’s favorite stop.

It was also the museum of choice for families and school kids on class trips. There is much to do and see there. The first floor has a hands-on exhibit that explains and demonstrates the physics of flight in a way that school kids can understand (and me too!). The museum is full of aeronautical history. I find the place fascinating but when I have to dodge marauding bands of 12 and 13-year-olds I can get a bit cranky. I don’t mean to. I do remember being that age, and I am sure I behaved in exactly the same manner. It’s what they do. It’s part of growing up. It’s all good.

Still they are interesting to watch. Especially from above. It helps to take a step back.

Looks like teacher is having to have a chat.

Family time.

Washington, D.C. – Memorials, Part II

We left the Lincoln Memorial and veered left to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

When the memorial was first installed, it consisted solely of the wall, and it is this part of the memorial that draws the most people and, in my opinion, has the most emotional impact. From Wikipedia:

The memorial currently consists of three separate parts: the Three Soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, which is the best-known part of the memorial.

The Three Soldiers

The Memorial Wall

It isn’t just the names listed that provides the impact, but the reflection of the observers seen in the polished gabbro.

From the beginning people began to take rubbings of names on the wall. So many continue to do so that papers and pencil are now provided.

Another making a rubbing of a name on the wall.

Was it his brother? A sister? A cousin? A friend?

To me, this is one of the most moving memorials on the National Mall.

The Vietnam Women’s Memorial.

I had to shoot these very tight as it was surrounded by the aforementioned middle school kids. Their hot pink shirts are actually reflected in parts of the sculpture. (You can see a wide-angle shot of the memorial at this link – not my photo).

After the Vietnam Memorial, we moved on to the World War II Memorial. As understated as the Vietnam Memorial is, the WWII memorial reflects the size and scope of the war. There are two massive towers on either side, each representing the two theaters of the war (Atlantic and Pacific). Each smaller column with wreath represents each state and U.S. territory and others that sent men and women to war in the name of the United States.

A remembrance of the women at home who marched into the factories. My grandmother was one of them.

Washington, D.C. – Memorials, Part 1

After visiting Arlington on Monday morning, we walked across the Potomac to the National Mall. The Lincoln Memorial is the first monument you encounter.

The view from the bridge. The lone walker gives an idea of the size of the memorial.

It takes a while for your eyes to adjust, but there he is.

The view from the stairs. The Washington Monument is encased in scaffolding in preparation for repairing the damage done during the August 2011 earthquake.

It is the time of year when middle school children are taking their year-end class trips. Their bright t-shirts (and *ahem* enthusiasm) were everywhere.