The skies were gray as we head past the Washington Monument towards the Lincoln Memorial.
The Lincoln Memorial was built in 1920 to honor the 16th President of the United States. It was designed by architect, Henry Bacon.
The Lincoln statue was created by sculptor, Daniel Chester French.
The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial has three parts: the three soldiers statue, the Vietnam Women's Memorial, and the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall (you can see it in the background).
The Vietnam Women's Memorial honors the women who served in the Vietnam War.
This haunting work of art is the Korean War Veteran's Memorial.
Now on to the Natural History Museum. You walk into this massive rotunda and it takes your breath away. The architecture, the lighting, and these giant creatures that once walked the earth, now that's better than the movies.
These giants are up close and personal and all I kept thinking was Jurassic Park (the inspiration for the movie).
T-Rex was getting his well honored attention from all, but watching the kids was most inspiring.
How this prehistoric whale could have evolved into it's 21st century version is beyond me.
Next we moved on to the Gemology section as I researched the source of my prized possessions. Judi, this one is for you! And yes, we saw the Hope Diamond. Sorry, no picture.
This American golden topaz is 22,892.5 carats and is one of the world's largest gems. It comes from Brazil and weighs 10 pounds.
This was sitting in the main hall of the museum and Bob swears that it is a first edition of the wheel.
As we leave the museum it has certainly given us alot to think about.
I thought all of the war memorials were wonderful, but I particularly liked the Korean one, too. Did you go to the WWII memorial? The Vietnam Wall was moving for Jim because he knew so many names on there. Sounds like you are enjoying Washington. There is soooooo much to see there and you get so tired.
ReplyDeleteTina