duds98's PhotoBlog

DC Trip - Pediments

2009-11-03T14:39:19Z

In trying to do something different, I came up with the idea to do a series of pediments found in The District. Photos from Day 2, Day 3, Day 4. A pediment is a classical architectural element consisting of the triangular section found above the horizontal structure (entablature), typically supported by columns. The gable end of the pediment is surrounded by the cornice moulding. The tympanum, or triangular area within the pediment, was often decorated with sculptures and reliefs demonstrating scenes of Greek and Roman mythology or allegorical figures. It also consisted of many bright colours suitable to the nature of the building being adorned.

DC Trip - Union Station

2009-11-03T14:01:19Z

Our time in Washington DC both began and ended in Union Station. Union Station was designed by architect Daniel Burnam, who also designed one of the first American skyscrapers (the Masonic Temple Building in Chicago), oversaw construction of the 1892 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago, and published the "The Plan of Chicago", which laid out plans for the future of the city.

DC Trip - Metro

2009-11-03T13:36:14Z

We spent a lot of time on the DC Metro! Photos are from Day 2, Day 4, and Day 5.

DC Trip - Royal Marines Band

2009-11-03T13:13:37Z

Photos from Day 5. On our way to the National Archives Gift Shop, we came upon a Royal Marines Band performing at the United States Navy Memorial. For those that have access, I have posted a couple of videos on my Facebook page. From Wikipedia, "Today all Royal Marines Bands are required to provide every imaginable musical ensemble including orchestras, quartets and dance bands, as well as traditional Military (marching) Bands. To achieve this, all RM musicians, except solo specialists, are required to attain an above-average standard on both a string and a wind instrument. As a result of this special versatility, Royal Marines musicians are recognised around the world as being both thoroughly professional and highly-talented within the military musical world. The Corps of Drums receive an equally thorough training and pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of drill, bugling and drumming. Their glittering presence at the front of all Royal Marines Bands on the march gives the bands a visual impact that is second to none."

DC Trip - National Gallery of Art (East)

2009-11-03T12:34:12Z

The East Building, designed by I.M. Pei, focuses on modern and contemporary art, with a collection including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Alexander Calder. Photos are from Day 4.

DC Trip - White House

2009-11-03T12:15:35Z

Photos are from Day 4.

Sorrowful Mother Shrine

2009-11-10T12:01:04Z

Alice, Stephanie, and I took advantage of the gorgeous November weather and headed an hour or so west to the town of Bellevue, Ohio to visit the Sorrowful Mother Shrine. Temperatures were in the mid-60s and it was a great opportunity to reflect and pray.

DC Trip - Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial

2009-11-03T11:13:43Z

The Greek revival-style mansion was built on the orders of George Washington Parke Custis, a step-grandson of George Washington. Custis was the most prominent resident of what was then known as Alexandria County, a part of the District of Columbia. Custis' only child to survive to adulthood was Mary Anna Randolph Custis. Young Robert E. Lee, whose mother was a cousin of Mrs. Custis, frequently visited Arlington. Two years after graduating from West Point, Lieutenant Lee married Mary Custis at Arlington on June 30, 1831. For 30 years Arlington House was home to the Lees. They spent much of their married life traveling between U.S. Army duty stations and Arlington, where six of their seven children were born. They shared this home with Mary's parents, the Custises. The property was confiscated by the federal government when property taxes levied against Arlington estate were not paid in person by Mrs. Lee. The property was offered for public sale Jan. 11, 1864, and was purchased by a tax commissioner for "government use, for war, military, charitable and educational purposes." Arlington National Cemetery was established by Brig. Gen. Montgomery C. Meigs, who commanded the garrison at Arlington House, appropriated the grounds June 15, 1864, for use as a military cemetery. His intention was to render the house uninhabitable should the Lee family ever attempt to return. Today, the mansion is managed by the National Park Service as a memorial to Robert E. Lee while the land surrounding the mansion, known as Arlington National Cemetery, is managed by the Department of the Army. Photos are from Day 4.

DC Trip - Tomb of the Unknowns

2009-11-03T10:40:12Z

The Tomb of the Unknowns (also known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, although it has never been officially named) is a monument dedicated to American servicemen who have died without their remains being identified. It is located in Arlington National Cemetery. The Tomb sarcophagus was placed above the grave of the Unknown Soldier of World War I. West of the World War I Unknown are the crypts of unknowns from World War II (south) and Korea (north). Between the two lies a crypt which once contained an unknown from Vietnam (middle). His remains were identified in 1998 as First Lieutenant Michael Blassie and removed. Those three graves are marked with white marble slabs flush with the plaza. There is a meticulous ritual the guard follows when watching over the graves: 1. The soldier walks 21 steps across the Tomb. This alludes to the 21-gun salute, which is the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary in America. His weapon is always on the shoulder opposite the Tomb (i.e., on the side of the gallery watching the ritual). 2. On the 21st step, the soldier turns and faces the Tomb for 21 seconds. 3. The soldier then turns to face the other way across the Tomb and changes his weapon to the outside shoulder. 4. After 21 seconds, the first step is repeated. The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 2, 1937. Inclement weather does not cause the watch to cease. Photos are from Day 4.

DC Trip - Kennedy Graves at Arlington Cemetery

2009-11-03T09:42:52Z

Photos taken Day 4.