Keeping the Watch

Keeping the Watch, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

American men and women, most serving far from home are protecting the independence and freedom we are celebrating today. Some like the elite members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry are guarding the tomb of the unknowns in Washington D.C.'s Arlington National Cemetery. The unidentified remains of American Servicemen are interred here. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions.

When will his glory fade?

When will his glory fade?, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The first time I visited the Lincoln Memorial I remember thinking it was a very beautiful place and wonderfully sited. Lincoln's Statue gazes over the heads of visitors and seems to be looking at the wonders of the National Mall spread out before him. These include the long reflecting pool, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument and the United States Capital Building. Although the statue evokes a strong feeling of his resolve to preserve the Union, it also feels somewhat sad. Lincoln is not depicted in glory but instead he seems serene and reflective.

Sunset on the National Mall

Sunset on the National Mall, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The World War II and Lincoln Memorials on the National Mall at sunset.

Personal Spacecraft

Personal Spacecraft, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

It's really a miracle that men and women work outside of the international space station, often for hours without the benefit of a tether. The spacesuits they wear are in fact personal spacecraft providing everything they need to survive in the harsh reality that is space. These suits maintain a constant 72 degrees farenheit when the environmental temperature is +250 in the sun and -250 in the shade. Extraordinary engineering.

Lost his marbles

Lost his marbles, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Explosion of color. Smithsonian Institution Museum of American History - Viva la Lensbaby!

Fishbed and the Phantom

Fishbed and the Phantom, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Russian MiG-21 "Fishbed" Fighter/Interceptor in the foreground led an interesting life and must have made quite a journey. "Acquired" by the CIA at the height of the cold war, it was transported to a secret airfield run by the U.S. Navy. There it was test flown by American pilots to discover its secrets and weaknesses. Later as part of a highly classified project called "Have Donut", it along with other Russian aircraft participated in mock air combat to train American Naval aviators how to defeat this aircraft in the skies over North Vietnam. The aircraft you see behind the silver MiG is the American F-4 Phantom II.

Take the "A" Train

Take the "A" Train, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The new AeroTrain system at Washington Dulles International Airport features some spectacular architecture. The two glass tubes contain the train tracks. Automatically opening doors in the tubes allow passengers to board and disembark. The system currently serves the main terminal and three concourses. Eventually it will loop around the entire airport. Cost for the project so far $1.4 billion.

The House Across the Street

The House Across the Street, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Right after Manny and I dropped our suitcases off at our hotel in Washington DC, I asked him where he wanted to go first. He answered "Ford's Theater". Knowing that he had recently been studying Abraham Lincoln in school, I asked if he wanted to go to the White House first and walk the route that President Lincoln took to the theater on the night he was assassinated and he agreed.
Once we got to the White House we took some photos and video as well as checking out the secret service agents on the roof who were keeping a close eye on us tourists. I remember Manny saying "Wow, I can't believe I'm standing here!" I could definitely relate to he how felt, as I often feel the same way when walking around our nation’s capital.
We then decided to walk across Pennsylvania Avenue and explore Lafayette Square. While there, we were asked several times by other tourists to take photos of them with the White House as a background. I think they were fooled into thinking we knew how to use a camera based on the DSLR's we were carrying. We asked one these folks to return the favor and this is the shot they took. I think it turned out pretty nice. I like how you can see the Washington Monument rising behind the executive mansion.

Union Station - Washington D.C.

Union Station - Washington D.C., originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

Manny and I had been told by security that we couldn't use our tripods on the floor of Union Station, so we climbed up some stairs to an elevated open air resturant. I asked the seating hostess if we could use our tripod during our lunch and she said "sure no problem". This is one of the shots we took. Union Station is a beautiful place.

Freedom is not Free

Freedom is not Free, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

They fought a war to help people they had never met and were largely forgotten when they returned home. This is the Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C.

It was raining fairly hard when I took this shot. Manny was holding an umbrella over me and the camera but some water still got on the lens.