Contemplations

Our vacation to Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Chicago has, as previously mentioned, given me a newfound respect and heartfelt appreciation for our nation’s history. For one interested in US History and Political Science it was crucial I go back East to see the places that represent our past. I thought about many things yesterday while at work, one of them being the opportunity to walk where famous historical figures lived and walked themselves so many years ago; to see, touch, and smell pure history. It is extremely difficult to express in words or comprehend the full meaning of it all. We truly have an amazing history! I am privileged and honored to step foot on hallowed and sacred ground as we visited Arlington National Cemetery, the Civil War Battlefields of Antietam and Gettysburg, and the National War Veterans Memorials. We also walked through Ford’s Theatre and toured The House Where Lincoln Died, in addition to the Capitol where upon entering the Old Senate Chamber I experienced a profound feeling of respect and humility. Within that room many incredible historical events occurred.

I was overtaken with a sense of pride in our nation for we in just a short amount of time have accomplished a great deal. Who would have thought the American Colonies would become the United States of America, a country that 99.9% of the world’s nations look to as an example of democracy. Our past is unbelievable and instills a sense of deep contemplation; I even commented to Emily that in several locations I felt that the history was “so thick it could be cut with a knife!” Those days combined with the many others I have and will write about will remain with me for the rest of my life. I am extremely grateful and feel privileged to have been born into this great nation; to be considered a citizen of the United States of America . . . land of the free and home of brave!

While most of our time was spent visiting D.C. and the surrounding areas, we did have time to develop a stronger relationship with Matt, Shelly, and Ellie Astle. We owe them a debt of gratitude for allowing us to spend such a long time there. I miss our daily association and being adored by our cute niece, Ellie. She is such a sweetie. I will always remember waking up to her running and dancing, as well as her calling us “Na-non” and “Emmy.” Matt and Shelly are doing and excellent job as parents and we hope to be able to emulate their exceptional parental example someday.