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		We had been to Washington before but never could find the Iwo-Jima Memorial. This time we tried again and, after passing the Lincoln Memorial, we found the small park across the Potomac River.

We also met two veterans who had been there and were visiting the memorial for the first time. After I took their picture and thanked them for their heroic efforts, I failed to ask them where they were from and what their names were. Sorry, fellows, but good luck to you.

I was three years old when the Germans invaded Holland. I lived in Rotterdam at the time and remember several episodes of those terrible days. Hence it was interesting to me to see this modern clock tower next to the Iwo Jima statue. It was a donation from the people of the Netherlands to the US.

The sign in front read in part:

Symbol of Friendship

Dedicated on May 5, 1960, the 15th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Carillon was presented "From the People of the Netherlands to the People of the United States" in gratitude for assistance given during and after WWII.

We crossed the river back to the mall area, parked the car along the river front and walked to the Korean War Veterans Memorial. The memorial depicts soldiers in wet capes and haunted faces; just like it must have been.

The Vietnam Memorial is impressive and folks come to see the numerous names engraved on the black marble wall. It is a quiet zone, where some have memories of lost soles and others are just curious. We found the name Robert Milbrath, a distant relative. His place is just a reflection of the Washington Monument, but his deeds will remembered forever.

We continued onto the World War II memorial, something we had not seen before. This site, located between the Lincoln and Washington monuments, is divided between the Pacific and European war efforts. Each column with a brass wreath represents one of our states. It was impressive and something anyone involved with that war should visit.

The words above were by General Douglas Macarthur. To the west is the wall of stars. Over 400,000 Americans were killed during those four years of war, and each of these golden stars represents 100 of those men and women; a dear price for freedom.

The entrance at 17th Street has numerous brass relieves, set in marble, depicting scenes of the war and the efforts put forth by everyone in the US. Here is but one showing D-Day in Normandy.

We briefly listened to this ranger and then continued to the Washington Monument. We had never been to the top and, after a short wait in line with the Canadians, took the elevator up for a view of Washington in each direction.

After all we had seen and experienced on this trip, our intent was to visit the Museum of American History, seen in the lower right corner below. Alas, it was closed for remodeling so we elected to go to the Museum of Natural History next door. But first we strolled along the Department of Agriculture building to see the White House up close. The security around this building was something else but at least cameras were allowed.

Despite the fact that there were no elephants nor donkeys, somehow the displays at the Natural History Museum reminded me of our current administration and the world around us.

Besides the animals , the museum has a large exhibit of jewels and gems, including a display of gold. This was most interesting to those who love this kind of stuff.

After all this glitter and fun, it was time to call it quits, return to our hotel and catch a flight back home the following morning.

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