Washington DC: The Marines

As you know the main reason that we went to DC was for the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice to send the Korean War (come back tomorrow for an in-depth look into the Korean War and the celebration). My grandfather (my dad's dad) served in the war as a Marine, and if you watch NCIS you know that Once a Marine, always a Marine. I got a great look into the history of the Marines and what they do for the country. We went to two different Marine events: the Marine Sunset Parade and the Marine Museum. 

The Marine Sunset Parade: This was a pretty special event that I got to attend since I was hanging out with my grandfather and friends. Apparently, the very first Marine barracks are located in DC. These are close to the White House (about 1.5 miles) and they are perfectly arranged to protect the president. Now these barracks contain a few marines and the band (both the Marine Band and the President's Own). They had so many great moments, there are of course no pictures since the night pics didn't work so much. I think the two coolest parts were the silent battalion and the cool drill team stuff. Additionally, the Commandant and his lady were at this event (this is a HUGE deal). I think they only do this once a week and occasionally a few other days a week over the summer. If you have a chance to see this it was amazing. I would only make one recommendation, wear nice-ish clothes (not T-shirt and Shorts) and if it is slightly cool you will freeze without a jacket (yes, I did learn both of these first handed). 

The flag fluttering in the breeze: it has 15 stars and stripes

The President's Own Marine Band

Playing taps

The Marine Museum: On Friday we headed out to Quantico to see the Marine Museum, my grandfathers brick, and the dedication of the Staff Sergeant Reckless statue. I will admit that this wasn't on my bucket list for DC but it was so neat to see so much of the history about the Marines. I don't know that I ever really thought about the Marines too much but I loved seeing all of the different things that they have done for our history. I think the coolest thing that I saw in the museum was how life-like the mannequins looked, it was if real people were in the exhibits. The museum was segmented into the different battles and the Korean War segment was so cool. Part of the exhibit was about the Chosin Reservoir, which is where the Marines were soo cold the only thing they had to eat was the Tootsie Rolls in their packs. The exhibit for this was colder than other parts of the museum, it was so interesting to see the parts of the country that my grandfather served in. If you have a chance hit this up. 

I liked this quote

Staff Sergeant Reckless: In the Korean War there was a horse that was purchased from a family in exchange for medical treatment. This horse carried armor up the mountain and was a vital part of so much of the war, after the war she was brought back to Camp Pendleton to rusticate. Part of what they were doing that day was dedicating a statue of her. She is out in a wooded area where future bricks will be laid. Eventually they pulled down the curtain and revealed the statue. She was a true beauty and looked so very alive. I am always so impressed with how the statues look like they could come alive. 

So excited!!!

Spending so much time with Marines over the few days that we were in town was so inspiring. I don't know that I was ever really interested in serving in the military but I have more respect for these men and women and the sacrifices that they make for our country every day. I will never have a chance to say thank you to each one for their services but I am so grateful for their willingness to serve so that I can have my freedom.