D.C. - Day 5

For our last day in D.C., Jason and I decided at the last minute to go back to Nationals Park and catch another game. We had originally planned on visiting Mount Vernon on Father's Day, but the ballgame sounded more appealing. We are hoping to go back one day, so Mount Vernon will be on that list, along with about 100 other things.

We got to the park a little early and we were actually able to get an autograph from one of the Nationals pitchers. Joel Hanrahan (a relief pitcher for the Nats) joked around with Jason about his "Tennessee" hat he was wearing. "I don't know if I can give an autograph to a Tennessee fan," Hanrahan said. Jason asked why and he said, "I'm a Florida fan." We also saw Ross Detwiller, a young pitcher for the Nationals that had pitched Saturday night's game. We almost got his autograph, but right as we got to the front of the line, he had to go over to the other side of the field.

Jason at Nationals Park on Father's Day

Getting an autograph from Joel Hanrahan

Posing with "Abe", one of the Racing Presidents

After the game, we made our way over to Arlington Cemetery. We visited President John F. Kennedy's grave and memorial. We also visited the Tomb of the Unknowns and saw the changing of the guard.

President John F. Kennedy Grave

The changing of the guard
In 1921, the Tomb of the Unknowns was established. The sentinel maintains vigil around the clock at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The sentinel paces 21 steps alongside the tomb, pauses for 21 seconds, and then the sentinel returns. If you look closely in the pictures, you can see the paths that have been made along the concrete from the sentinels that have kept vigil over this tomb since 1921. It really is amazing to think of the honor and respect that is given to that one tomb, that represents so many unknowns.

Tomb of the Unknowns

After leaving Arlington Cemetery, we walked the bridge across the Potomac River over to the Tidal Basin. We visited the FDR Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial. Afterwards, we walked back around to the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

Walkway to the Tidal Basin

The Washington Monument reflecting in the Tidal Basin

The FDR Memorial

Jefferson Memorial