Jennings Family: The Getaway- part 2

We started out our second day at Arlington National Cemetary. What a peaceful place. On average there are 100 funerals here every week.

We took a guided bus tour through the cemetary so we could see key places without having to walk the whole way. We were able to see the Eternal Flame, where the Kennedy's are buried, And the view of DC was incredible from this spot!

The former house of Robert E. Lee

This is an arena where funerals are held. Right behind it is the Tomb of the Unkown.

We were able to see the Changing of the Guard. If anyone has ever toured DC you know how eveywhere you go you are surrounded by kids on field trips... (loud, and disrepectful) I decided that Arlington was my favorite place because the kids were actually quiet and very respectful. It was so peaceful to sit and watch while only hearing birds chirping... I was surprised to learn that there is no longer an unkown soldier for Vietnam buried here. He was identified and moved to his hometown.

This was a mast from a ship that sunk, killing all on board. It was found and placed in Arlington to honor all who died.

I learned so much at Arlington, and left feeling very grateful for those who have given their life for our freedom. We are so blessed to live in this free country!

After Arlington we headed over to the Pentagon. My Uncle Alan works there and offered to give us a personal tour!

We were instantly made the new speakers for the department of defense! Okay, not really.

This was my favorite photo op! The tour was fascinating. We got to walk the halls of all the departments of defense, and see the memorabilia they have put on display from our nations history. We were able to see my Uncle's office and walk around in the courtyard in the middle of the Pentagon. We also went into the chapel that was built after 9/11, and the looked at the memorial that is in there. We had already toured the memorial outside the last time we came to visit. It was neat! I was also shocked to see all the shopping available in there... the food court has so much to offer, not to mention Best Buy...

After we said goodbye to my Uncle we headed to the National Archives to check out the Declaration of Independence. What an inspired document! Too bad we can't take pictures of it! Not that you can read anything on it anyway... I must say, I was disappointed to find out how many liberties were taken in the making of National Treasure. Can you believe the Declaration is never moved? There is NO preservation room?? ha! Typical Hollywood... (I still have mad love for that movie though)

After the Archives we walked to the White House. Thanks to the AWESOME map that my uncle let us borrow. We had total freedom knowing where eveything was and how far we needed to walk.

Isn't it beautiful?

The first thing I noticed was the garden though... They use garden boxes like me!

The view from the otherside...

We didn't get to tour it, they were booked for months...
So after we stared for a bit we headed to Georgetown to catch our boat tour. (Thanks Groupon!)
It was a 45ish minute boat tour down the Potomac, and we were able to see many of the national monuments!