I finally got my pictures back from my trip to D.C. earlier this month. I wish that I could say they were worth the wait, but they were most definitely not. I forgot to bring the digital camera with me, but was “lucky” enough to have an unused, cheap disposable camera I got at a conference last year. Well, you get what you prepare for it seems.
The Wednesday of the week I was in Alexandria I met Swapna and Deborah at Chadwicks, a restaurant with great food and a nice atmosphere. We started off with a wonderful appetizer and chatted throughout the entire meal. I just realized that Miss Deborah is now Mrs. Deborah. Congratulations! I hope that your big day was beautiful! At the end of the evening, Nicole, my co-worker, took some pictures of us. This camera, even with the flash activated, did not do well inside. Here is the picture of the three of us:
We’re all actually quite beautiful when you remove all of the graininess. 
The next evening we ventured into D.C. proper. The last time I was there was eons ago. I can’t remember if my siblings and I went to the Mall when we were there in ’96, but we did during the summer of ’88, which was the first time I was there. Needless to say, when my husband and I were on the Mall in September for the National Book Festival, my eyes were on the tents, books, and authors, not on the Capitol.
Here is a picture of me expressing my love of Michigan. I can’t remember what this monument was, but each state and territory was represented.
We also saw the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.
All of my pictures from inside the Lincoln Memorial did not turn out. One awesome thing that happened as we walked down the steps was hearing a boy’s choir from Illinois sign the National Anthem, America, the Beautiful and a medley of Lincoln’s speeches. It was an awesome experience, especially the National Anthem. They were incredible. I’d never heard a boy’s choir in person before.
After leaving the Lincoln Memorial, we went to the Vietnam Memorial. I remember visiting there in ’88. I thought it was neat then. Now I found it very touching and sad. I realize now that those soldiers were really just babies (and I mean that in the most respectful way). There were so many of them, too. God bless them all. I called my Aunt Lucy while I was there. Here brother, Kenneth R. Endsley, was killed in action on June 2, 1967. He was a Marine. Despite the 42 years that have passed, Aunt Lucy remembers his death like it was yesterday. I hadn’t fully realized until that moment that he saved my father’s life. Dad had decided to enlist in the Marines instead of being drafted. Kenneth was killed within weeks of when my dad was supposed to enlist. His death made my dad decide to wait to be drafted. Had he been a Marine, there is little doubt that he would have been sent to Vietnam. In the Army, he was one of only three members of his basic training unit who were sent to Germany instead of Vietnam. I found his name on E21. It was the first name in row 33. I made the best tracing I could with thick journal paper and a pen. I traced each letter of his name with my finger and said a prayer for him. There might not have been a Literate Housewife without the sacrifice that Kenneth R. Endsley made. I cannot thank him enough.
Have you recently traveled to an interesting place? If so, I sure hope your pictures turned out better than mine. LOL!
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I think those disposable cameras have actually gotten worse over the years! But they’re still fun pictures, even if grainy. What a lovely tribute to Kenneth R. Endsley. Thanks for sharing it with us!
.-= rhapsodyinbooks´s last blog .. =-.
A couple of years ago my digital camera fried when I plugged it into the wall in the UK (since the charger wasn’t rated for the higher voltage here). I still wanted to take pictures so I picked up a disposable camera and I was amazed at how crappy the pictures were. Yours are probably better than mine! I’m still glad you recorded your visit for posterity.
You’ve written a very lovely tribute to your uncle; thanks for posting it and reminding us of all the sacrifices that military men have made for us.
.-= Meghan´s last blog .. =-.
How fun to meet up with other bloggers! I really cannot believe I’ve never been to D.C. I would love to go and MUST remedy that.
.-= 3m´s last blog .. =-.
Your trip looks like it was great fun! I think all three of the bloggers in that photo are gorgeous! I hope Mrs. Deborah had a wonderful day yesterday too.
.-= Kathy´s last blog .. =-.
It was so great meeting you! I’m glad you had a good trip to DC and can’t wait to see you again in September!
.-= S. Krishna´s last blog .. =-.
I’m so glad to hear you had such a wonderful time! I’m sorry I couldn’t make it, but I’ll definitely see you in September!
.-= Jenn’s Bookshelf´s last blog .. =-.
Thank you for sharing the photos with us. On the bright side regarding the photos, at least you had a camera, right? I tend to forget to bring one along.
I have never been to D.C. but someday I would like to go. I would like to see the Vietnam Memorial. I’ve seen the one in my state capital, where I used to live, which is just beautiful, although sad. My dad was a Vietnam Vet and fortunately was one of the ones who made it home.
Have a great week!
.-= Literary Feline´s last blog .. =-.
FYI – the Michigan monument is part of the WWII memorial.
Looks like FUN!
When are you coming to CA so that I get to meet you!?!
.-= Sher´s last blog .. =-.
How fun! I went to Washington DC a few years ago and it was a very cool trip.
That monument (with Michigan) is the WWII Veteran’s Memorial, btw. Nice place to cool your feet and play in the fountain.
.-= heidenkind´s last blog .. =-.
I haven’t been to DC since I was a kid but I remember being awestruck at the time. I would love to go back and see everything with a real sense of the history and meaning and to see the Vietnam Memorial which wasn’t there when I was last there.
.-= Lisa´s last blog .. =-.
Your smiles still shine through, even if the photo is a little fuzzy!
My dad spent the Vietnam War in Germany, too. Lucky for me.
.-= softdrink´s last blog .. =-.
Glad you had such a good time Jennifer! Lucky you getting to meet up with some other bloggers.
.-= Darlene´s last blog .. =-.
Too bad about the pics but it looks like you had a wonderful time. I haven’t been to DC in like, seven years!
.-= Ti´s last blog .. =-.
It looks like you ladies had a fabulously fun time. I’m so sorry that I missed out. Though now it makes me all that more excited for September when the DC blogger meet up happens. Then I’ll come heck or high water I’m telling you!
.-= Michelle´s last blog .. =-.