Day 8: Virginia to Maryland

Alexandria, VA to Bolling Air Force Base (Maryland)

with a stop in Arlington, Virginia

 

 

Welcome to MARYLAND!!

 

The afternoon we got into the Washington, D.C. area we were lucky enough to be able to get together with a couple old Coast Guard Honor Guard friends (Dave Poole & Tony Waterloo) for dinner.

 

 

But before dinner we just had to check out the Pentagon and it's new 9/11 Memorial.

 

 

 

September 11th, 2001 at 9:37 am

 

 

Each reflecting pool has someone's name on it. Such a sad experience because there are just so many of these memorials. But they did an amazing job putting this together in remembrance of all the innocent people who lost their life that day.

 

 

Makes you think... about how completely blessed you are to have your loved ones still. Makes me wanna hold them tightly and never let go. They are my world!

 

 

 

This is the side of the Pentagon that got hit by American Airlines flight 77 and if you look closely, you can tell that the building is two different shades of beige now that it has been rebuilt.

 

 

It's amazing how a flag represents SO much! I am proud to be an American and so thankful to my husband, friends, and veterans who do what they do to keep our country free!

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the distance across the freeway is the Air Force Memorial

"It honors the service and sacrifices of the men and women of the United States Air Force and its predecessor organizations, including the Aeronautical Division, U.S. Signal Corps; the Aviation Section, U.S. Signal Corps; the Division of Military Aeronautics, Secretary of War; the Army Air Service; the U.S. Army Air Corps; and the U.S. Army Air Forces. More than 54,000 airmen have died in combat while serving in the Air Force and these historical service arms of the military, the second highest of any of America’s four armed services."

 

"Located on a promontory in Arlington, Virginia, overlooking the Pentagon and adjacent to Arlington Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial is easily seen on the skyline of Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia in Arlington county."

 

 

  "Featuring three stainless steel spires that soar skyward, the tallest reaching a height of 270 feet, the Memorial’s design is truly representative of flight and the flying spirit of the Air Force. The three spires also represent the three core values of the Air Force - integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that is done - and the Air Force’s total force - active, guard and reserve."