Washington D.C. has so much to see.   We could spend months here and not see it all.   But, today we will show you a few more things we enjoyed.  This is a monument to honor the veterans from Washington D.C.

Remembering Veterans from Washington D.C.

We, Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck, think this is a great idea.   In the early days of Washington D.C., the main method of transportation was by canals.   During that time, the Lock Keeper lived here.

The Lock Keeper’s House

The canal system was soon replaced by roads, but this is an important part of the Washington D.C. history.   Soon we came to a memorial to the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Remembering the signers of the Declaration of Independence

As you know, the Declaration of Independence was vital to forming the United States of America as an independent country.  Each of the signers has a plaque.

A plaque for each signer

This is the one honoring John Hancock.

John Hancock’s signature in gold.

In the United States when your signature is required, some people say to “put your John Hancock here”.  That is a reference to this signature.   The memorial for the Vietnam Veterans is referred to as the Vietnam Wall.   This simple design lists, in chronological order, the Americans that gave their lives during this war.

Vietnam Wall

Seeing all the names, really emphasizes the number of men and women that died during this time.  There 58,272 names on the Vietnam Wall.   These visitors seem to be looking for specific names.

Vietnam Wall

Another statue honors the more than 265,000 American women that served in the armed forces during the Vietnam era.

Legacy of Healing and Hope

This is a Legacy of Healing and Hope.   We like this statue of Three Soldiers.

Three soldiers–Vietnam Memorial

This bronze statue is also a memorial to those who fought in Vietnam.   The statues adds a more traditional combat element to the Vietnam memorial.   Here is another monument.   It is dedicated to the memory of John Ericsson.

Remembering John Ericsson

This Swedish-born engineer-inventor is best known for his work during the Civil War when he transformed naval warfare through his design of the iron-plated USS Monitor.   According to the National Park Service, the movements of Ericsson’s pencil across his drafting board were as crucial to the victory as the movements of Lincoln’s armies across battlefields.  Here is the bridge to Arlington, Virginia and to Arlington National Cemetery.

Bridge to Virginia over Potomac River

The first Japanese Cherry Tree was planted March 27, 1912.

Celebrating gift of Japanese Cherry Trees from Japan

The cherry trees were a gift from Japan, symbolizing friendship and goodwill.   This tree is leaning over the Tidal Basin.

Leaning over Tidal Basin.  Don’t fall

It should be growing straight, but we think it looks nice this way.   We hope it does not fall into the water.   As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Washington D.C.   We hope you visit our nation’s capital soon.