The beginning of the end...for now.

It seems like I always start up this blog to record about an adventure and then I am having to write the wrap up. Time always flies and it only grows faster with every year. This trip has been the combination of personal growth and professional achievement. I've been able to see and do things that I've always wanted to. I've seen some of my dreams fulfilled, but I've also discovered a few new ones. While it's always hard to end adventures, I'm grateful for what I've learned, who I have met and what I've felt. Here are some highlights (or you can jump to the photos afterwards):
-attending a Civil War funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for two sailors from the USS Monitor
-attending the 2nd Inauguration of President Obama
-working at the Library of Congress
-holding Woodrow Wilson's Nobel Peace medallion
-visiting Gettysburg (which is better than any amusement park I have been to)
-walking around Valley Forge and Philadelphia
-falling in love with another ship-this time it's the cruiser USS Olympia
-celebrating President's Day at Mt Vernon
-finding my favorite band from Greenland. I got to hear Nanook play at the Kennedy Center
-discovering new restaurants like Byblos Greek Deli
-visiting the White House, Smithsonian museums, monuments
-watching history happen:protests for immigration, gay marriage, guns, etc. You name it, I saw it protested.
-read to elementary school children for Dr. Seuss Day
-bought and learned to play a fife
-practiced piano almost every other day
-enjoyed walks along the Potomac and watching the water go by
-was able to finish several books
-being able to go into the main reading room at the Library of Congress and looking down from the windows across the entire Mall

It may seem like some of the items are boring or everyday, but they provided needed relief from days that went long at work or went late because of homework. While the big and exciting will be some of the things that I first remember, it will also be the small, quiet moments that will be what helped cement the experience.
I learned a lot this past semester, not just about history and library sciences, but also about myself. It was good to hear lots of opinions and views and be able to decide what I believe and what I want to do in the world. While I will miss many things, I can't wait to see what life brings just over the next horizon.

Gettysburg

Have you ever been to a place where your expectations were so much higher than what it really was? Or have you ever been really excited about a movie and then have it dash your hopes (Thanks Indiana Jones 4!)? Well, today was not that one of those days! Today was one of those days where whatever I had imagined wasn't even close to what it really was.

I have always had a deep love for the Civil War. What captured my mind about Gettysburg was reading  'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara in 7th grade. The writing and story that was presented peaked my interest and I've been reading about Gettysburg and the Civil War ever since. But rather than finding all the answers, the more I learn and discover the more questions and ideas arise.

View of 'Devil's Den' from the summit of Little Round Top

Today I had the chance to visit Gettysburg. Gettysburg was the largest battle ever fought in the history of North America and the one with the most casualties. Nearly a third of the 150,000+ men who fought there during July 1-3, 1863 would be dead, wounded or a prisoner. The loss at Gettysburg and Vicksburg during July 1-4 would be the beginning of the end for the Confederate States. While the war would go on for nearly two more years and many more would die or be wounded, the North would almost always have the advantage for the remainder of the war. While ultimate victory was not achieved at Gettysburg, the road to victory was paved.

Field to the northeast of Gettysburg-fighting on the first day-July 1, 1863

Being able to see many of the places that I have read about so often and see the places come alive was something that was more than magical. History is like a sea of endless sand where we all walk across it. Some leave deep footprints that last years and others leave light footprints that quickly fade. And other leave footprints so deep that they remain forever. This is one of those places where time does not forget. This quote from Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain best represents my experience:

“In great deeds, something abides. On great fields, something stays. Forms change and pass; bodies disappear; but spirits linger, to consecrate ground for the vision-place of souls… generations that know us not and that we know not of, heart-drawn to see where and by whom great things were suffered and done for them, shall come to this deathless field, to ponder and dream; and lo! the shadow of a mighty presence shall wrap them in its bosom, and the power of the vision pass into their souls.” 

'High Water Mark' area of the climax of the Confederate charge on the 3rd day-July 3, 1863

Valley Forge and Philadelphia

This weekend I had some wonderful opportunities to visit several sites that were important to the American Revolution and for laying the foundation of the United States government. We left Washington on Friday morning and drove to Valley Forge, PA. We stayed at the Freedoms Foundation which is less than a mile from Valley Forge National Historical Park. It was a nice place and it was to be on a 'vacation'. Granted that I was about a hundred times more excited than everyone else for the weekend.
   While winter is starting to pass away here, it was a cold weekend and it was easy to imagine why the winter conditions during the Revolution and Civil War were so difficult. Valley Forge sits with the Schuylkill River to the North and East and with two 'mountains' to the west. When the tour guide said mountains many of us must have looked confused as we looked around the hills, so she had to explain that in that area they are considered mountains. Good cultural experience.

Parade Ground...and 'mountains' to the right

The visitors center is really well done and has some great exhibits. Contrary to popular to belief, the winter at Valley Forge was not worse than some of the other winter encampments. The main change to the Continental Army was the training that the army gained during the last few months that transformed the citizen army to a professional army. Some of the highlights of the visit was visiting George Washington's headquarters, the replica huts and seeing some of the remains of fortifications.

Washington's Headquarters and personal flag

The huts were made to hold twelve men and their belongings. But when twelve of us went in we quickly felt claustrophobic. It was amazing to think about sleeping, eating and trying to live through snowstorms, mud, and constant cold. It really deepened my respect for the Continental soldiers.

The next day we headed into Philadelphia. We spent the morning at the National Constitutional Center. They had an amazing exhibit about the evolution of the Constitution and how its affected our lives. One of the most interesting parts was that as the time progressed they had some exhibits that would let you see if you could vote during certain time periods. It would ask you questions based on your gender, race, age, land owning privileges, etc. What surprised me was that because I answered that I didn't own land or that I hadn't payed my taxes yet disqualified me in several states until the 20th century. 

      We went and toured Independence Hall afterwards. It was amazing to be in the same building where our country was both born by the Declaration of Independence and given real hope by the Constitution.

We had the afternoon free and so I headed down to the waterfront. The Independence Seaport Museum had an excellent exhibit on the War of 1812 and had some beautiful models. The museum also hosts the USS Becuna and cruiser USS Olympia. USS Becuna is a World War II submarine that was modified for service during the Cold War. I love submarines and being able to climb around was great. The only problem is that changing compartments reminds me that I probably wouldn't make a great submariner. 

USS Becuna

The cruiser USS Olympia is the last surviving ship from the Spanish-American War. She served as the flag ship for Admiral George Dewey at the Battle of Manila Bay in May 1898. By destroying the Spanish fleet the US Navy was able to take secure the Philippines. The Olympia was amazing not only because of the history, but because the ship was a combination of traditional and modern warships. The officers quarters were wood furnished and looked more like a picture of the inside of a ship like the Titanic than what you would imagine from a steel warship.

USS Olympia

Admiral's room

The Olympia also faces some major challenges in her future. Steel ships need to be taken out and conserved around every 20-25  years. The last time Olympia left the water was in 1945. The structure of the hull is deteriorating to the point that visitors aren't allowed in many of the below deck areas. At least $10 million dollars is needed to help preserve the Olympia enough to allow time for a new owner to provide sufficient financial help and adequate facilities. If I had the money, I would love to buy the Olympia, but I don't think that is happening anytime soon. 

  

The Middle of the Mall

Several Fridays I decided to visit a few of the monuments on the National Mall that I hadn't visited yet. Most of them were clustered around the middle by the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is still close because of an earthquake in 2011. But it is still quite the sight to walk around the base and enjoy the view. I also visited the World War II memorial and I was amazed at how well it was done. It forms a giant curving horseshoe and one side it remembers the Atlantic and on the other side the Pacific. In the middle is an area with gold stars to remember the soldiers who were killed. It was very impressive and moving.

They haven't turned the water on yet

On the way home I stopped by the Organization of American States headquarters. The Organization of American States functions as a miniature U.N. but only for the American hemisphere. I entered and was told that there was only one more tour that day, but that it was in Spanish. So I tagged along and only really understand 40%, but I still enjoyed seeing the building.

While walking home from the OAS there are statues along Virginia Ave. showing important figures in the independence and democratic movements in Latin America. Some of my favorites were Simon Bolivar (El Libertador, responsible for the independence of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama and Peru), and San Martin (responsibile for the independence of Argentina, Chile and aiding Simon Bolivar in Peru) and Benito Juarez of Mexico.

Soccer season!

I feel bad for basketball, football and baseball fans. I really do. Or at least I try to. I can't imagine having to literally wait an entire year before the season starts again. In the soccer/football world the season starts less than five months after the previous season ended.
Well, the 2013 MLS Soccer season has begun and I was able to kick it off with going to a game at RFK Stadium in DC to see DC United play against Real Salt Lake. While Real Salt Lake did not win, it was fun to see another team and their fans. Some of the visiting fans that I talked to while joking about having to sit next to the enemy, thought it was really cool that I was there. While Real Salt Lake is able to fill up the stadium there still isn't some of fan interaction that some of the older clubs have. *That being said, I am not looking down on RSL, I just think we could organize to match some of the fan groups of other clubs.
For example, before the game the DC supporters groups arranged a pretty cool display of the DC flag.

I thought I was getting decent tickets, but I actually got some of the best tickets I have ever bought for a soccer game. I was only three rows up and right behind the tunnel where the teams come out so I got a great view of a lot of the players. Before the match I joked around with some of my neighbors to remember that "Beer is for drinking and not for throwing at visiting fans. Especially at $10 a beer." That got a few laughs and I had a great time. Some of my new friends even offered to buy me a drink, which I said was very generous but that  I had to decline. 

I love going to soccer games, especially in new venues and being able to support my team at an away game was a great experience. Here is hoping to more adventures in soccer stadiums across the world!

Sailors Coming Home

Yesterday I had an opportunity that doesn't happen very often. I went to an American Civil War funeral. On December 31, 1862 the USS Monitor was sunk during a storm off the coast of North Carolina. Sixteen of its sailors drowned during the sinking. The USS Monitor has since become famous for being involved in the first battle between ironclads in history, when it fought the CSS Virginia (Merrimack) on March 9, 1862. The wreck was located in the 1970's and part of the wreck was brought up in 2002. While they were bring up the turret they found two sailors remains still inside. For ten years they tried to find out who the sailors were, but were unable to. They decided to bury the remains at Arlington National Cemetery.
  That's where I come in. I heard about it in the local paper and knew that I had to be there. So yesterday afternoon I spent the afternoon at Arlington and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. They buried the sailors behind the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers amphitheater.

It was amazing to think that it had been a little over 150 years since they had died, but that they were receiving the recognition of both their service and place in history. The remains of two sailors were buried, but the monument will be to the 16 sailors that died.
Seeing the ceremony, from the disciplined behavior of the sailors to the 21 gun salute, it was something I don't think I will ever forget. The minister talked about how for many years the souls of the sailors had already returned home to their God and that their loved ones had already rejoined them, but that we were grateful for the chance that they could return to us, so that we could remember their service and sacrifice.
It was a cold windy day, but the sun was there throughout most of the service. I'm grateful for the men and women of the armed forces who have already served and are serving our country. There may be many things wrong in our country, but the opportunity to change continues thanks thanks to men and women like these two sailors who are now "known but to God".

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/crewmen-of-uss-monitor-are-buried-at-arlington/2013/03/08/5d11dc5c-8779-11e2-9d71-f0feafdd1394_story.html

p.s. If you go to the photo gallery, you can see me in the 2nd picture. I am to the left of the soldier on horseback.

Dr. Seuss and life

 Dr. Seuss's birthday is March 2. I remember in elementary school that we would read or watch the movie based on his books. I have always enjoyed Dr. Seuss' books, especially books like The Butter Battle Book where there is a much deeper cause behind the book. I feel that Seuss deals with complex problems like the Cold War, the environment and prejudice in a way that everyone can understand, even children.
Part of our Washington Seminar experience is to be involved in a service project and for Dr. Seuss' birthday I went to American University and teamed up with some of their students to go read some Dr. Seuss to local elementary children. It was really rewarding and interesting.

I was surprised by the picture

Our assigned book was Oh, the Places You'll Go! I have always enjoyed this book, but being in the middle of my program in college and being on in internship really hit some of the points home. For example, this one:

“You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed. 
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don't.

Because, sometimes, you won't.” 

I really liked that because I have always felt that I am a very driven person, but sometimes no matter what I do (for good or bad), things will not work out how I want them to. And I need to accept that even when things don't go my way that I can still find comfort along the journey.