Iwo Jima Monument

We made it to a 9 am sacrament meeting in a brand new building nearby. We regrouped then headed down to DC for a few more sights in the mini-van this time. Much more comfortable than smashing 5 of us into our car!

David sporting a Pooh Disney World hat, a monkey neck roll, (we thought he'd fall asleep--WRONG!), and the snap on soft high chair tray we bought for the trip. The last was a WONDERFUL product. A flat space to vroom cars and eat snacks...

A lovely WARM November day. It was humbling to walk around the statue. Since Brad will be in the Navy I notice him appreciating these things more and more.

A tiny Brad and Deidre on the left

This statue is based on a photograph taken during the Battle of Iwo Jima in WWII. In the photograph there were five Marines and a Navy Corpsmen raising the United States flag. This photo became a symbol of the war and wikipedia mentions that is possibly the most reproduced photograph of all time. It is fitting that a monument was made out this famous picture.

I vividly remember sitting in Mr. Carpenter's class a student teacher. He was teaching his AP US History students about WWII. As part of the lesson he recounted the stories of each man in the photograph/statue both during the war and afterward. The room was silent as the students realized how costly fighting a war was; not just to a nation but to individuals and families. I remember feeling that I'd learned two lessons that day. One about why I love studying history and those that have gone before and another about the kind of teacher I hope to be someday.

David and William enjoying themselves.

This is typical, David being the clown and William being upset by David banging on his head. (I think.)

The inscription reads "Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue"

Meghan enjoying the sunny day.

Much happier when big brother is out of the stroller.

A tiny Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Capitol building seen from the bell tower near the Iwo Jima monument. DC is so beautiful. It seems that from every monument and memorial you can see another.