Washington's Monuments

Most people recognize the very tall, white obelisk on the National Mall as the Washington Monument. But what is, perhaps, a well-kept secret is that it is not the first monument to honor our first president and father of our country, George Washington, but the THIRD!

For my family- ISTWM! ISIF! ISIF!

This Washington Monument was actually the last one to be completed despite there being many proposals for the monument shortly after the victory of the American Revolution. After Washington's death in 1799, Congress authorized a "suitable monument" in the national capital. That decision was overturned just two year years later when the Democratic Republicans (Jeffersonian Republicans) took control of Congress. Upset that Washington had become the symbol of the Federalist Party, the Republicans were also against building monuments to powerful men. Thus ensued many years of squabbling back and forth and nothing was done until the mid-19th century. Ahh...  some things never change!

Finally, in 1832 (the 100th anniversary of Washington's birth), a group of citizens formed the Washington National Monument Society and began fund-raising. Several years later, after acquiring  enough money to begin building, they held a competition  for the design. Robert Mills, an architect, won the competition and construction finally began in 1848. However, in 1854 funds ran out and construction stopped. After 25 agonizing years, construction resumed in 1879 after the Society altered the original plan (eliminating a colonnade and other ornate features) and Congress appropriated funds for its completion. The color difference in the stone about a third of the way up is due to an inability to get the same quarry stone when construction resumed.  It was finally completed in 1884 and opened to the public in 1888. Completing the Washington National Monument was a project that united North and South with their common admiration and love for George Washington. It stands 555 feet, 5⅛ inches tall and is made of marble, granite and sandstone. It is still the world's tallest stone structure and the world's tallest obelisk.

So where is the SECOND Washington Monument? Not in Virginia where he lived at his beloved Mount Vernon... but in Baltimore, Maryland!

This Washington Monument is in Mount Vernon Square Park in the upscale Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore.

A monument to honor George Washington in Baltimore, Maryland was proposed by Baltimore citizens in 1809 and a committee was formed to commission and fund the project. A series of six lotteries starting in 1811 (authorized by the Maryland General Assembly) eventually raised enough money to fund the project. A design competition was held in 1815 with none other than Robert Mills' design being chosen. Construction began on July 4th, 1815 and was completed in 1829 after several design changes simplifying the original design became necessary due to funding problems.

The monument, made of white marble from Cockeysville, Maryland, is 178 feet tall. The three sections include a rectangular base, a plain column and a standing figure of Washington clothed in a Roman toga. At one time, ships entering the harbor could see the monument; today skyscrapers block the view.

But surely the FIRST Washington Monument is in Virginia, right? Wrong! It is near the small town of Boonsboro in western Maryland.

This Washington Monument is located atop South Mountain in Washington Monument State Park. Regarding this monument, it has been said that, "As monuments go, none was ever built with purer or more reverent patriotism."

Early in the morning of July 4th, 1827 most of the 500 citizens of the small hamlet of Boonsboro gathered at the town square and began a two mike trek up South Mountain to the site they had selected to build a monument to honor "the Father of their Country." The Stars and Stripes rippled in the wind as the fife and drum corps played and spirits were high as everyone helped. Stone from outcroppings of granite were selected and since water was not available for mortar, the carefully cut stones were laid dry in a circular wall. They worked until noon and then held a dedication ceremony and ate lunch before resuming work. At 4:00 the monument stood 15 feet high on a circular base 54 feet in circumference. The day ended with a reading of the Declaration of Independence and a three round salute fired by three Revolutionary War veterans. Plans were made to finish the monument "after the busy season" and in September of that same year, it was completed, standing 34 feet tall. So, although the Washington Monument in Baltimore was started first, this was the first completed monument to honor our first president, a true American patriot.

Because the monument was originally built "dry," it did not stand up well against extreme weather and use. It was rebuilt twice (using mostly original stones), the last time in 1934. The Washington County Historical Society purchased the site in 1920 and later deeded it to the State of Maryland for use as a State Park in 1934. The Appalachian Trail runs by the base of the monument- and yes, we hiked on the Appalachian Trail! The interior steps lead to an observation platform from which you can see for miles and miles. It was used during the Civil War as both a look-out tower and a signal tower. The Battle at South Mountain was the first battle on northern soil and along with the battle at nearby Antietam, the bloodiest. Miraculously, the monument stood unscathed by the battle going on around it.

I think it is interesting that local, state and the federal government desired and even began planning monuments to the country's revered first president... but it was ordinary citizens that actually got the job done. Without the bureaucracy and bickering, they were able to accomplish what the governing bodies could not. Perhaps another lesson for us ?

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Situated in northern Virginia, George Washington's home, Mount Vernon, sits atop a hill (not a mountain =)) overlooking the Potomac River. It is an impressive looking mansion fitting for a king... or "the Father of a Country." Originally belonging to Washington's great grandfather, it was called Little Hunting Creek Plantation. Washington inherited it from his older half-brother, Lawrence, who had renamed it Mount Vernon after his commanding officer, Admiral Edward Vernon of the British Navy.

The vast front yard, called the bowling green, shows Washington's love of English landscaping. In his day, it was regularly cut with scythes and smoothed with a roller.

George Washington was first and foremost a Virginia gentleman and an innovative plantation owner. Increasing his estate from 2000 to almost 8000 acres, he then divided it into five working farms (including the Mansion House Farm where he lived), each with a separate overseer responsible for that farm. He also managed an active fishery, farm shops (blacksmith, flour mill, etc.) and hundreds of slaves. It was this managerial and interpersonal relationship experience that helped him organize and lead the Revolutionary Army and later shape the country as its first president. 

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington was known for two things- he loved this country and he hated war. He had this weather vane specially made... a dove carrying an olive branch... to be a constant reminder. However, he had little time at Mount Vernon before he was unanimously elected to be the first president.

Washington loved spending time at Mount Vernon. Like many of the founding fathers and early presidents, he was a well-educated man who never stopped learning and debating with friends. Coming home to Mount Vernon was a time of introspection and deep thought for him.

Washington spent much time on his large patio, or piazza, with its view of the Potomac River (right).

We toured the Mansion (no photography allowed) seeing the very same mirror Washington caught his reflection in, the dishes he ate off of and the bed he died in. The history preserved there is phenomenal. But it wasn't always that way. Just prior to the Civil War Mount Vernon had fallen into a state of extreme disrepair and was about to be abandoned after the federal government declined to purchase it from Washington's great-grandnephew, the current owner. Louisa Cunningham, a Southern gentlewoman from South Carolina, who saw the house and heard the story as she cruised up the Potomac, decided to gather a group of women together to do fund-raising and save the house. The Mount Vernon Ladies Association was formed (and still runs the estate today!), raised enough money to purchase the estate and begin restoring it. They allowed soldiers from both the Union and Confederate Armies to use the estate to make their camps but firmly insisted it was a "no weapon" zone and all guns, artillery, etc. had to be stored outside the gate. Soldiers treated the mansion and other buildings with respect- no looting, no vandalism- at the instance of the Ladies. Hmm... perhaps there is a lesson for us in all this?

Our family has enjoyed watching both National Treasure movies many times. The second movie, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, was filmed in part at Mount Vernon and we wanted to see where and hear the stories. The National Treasure Tour took us "behind the scenes" into the basement where part of the movie was filmed. For those who haven't seen it, I won't spoil the movie- but those who have will recognize the pictures below. I highly recommend both the movie and the tour- both are great fun!

Look familiar? In real life, the left photo is near the Mount Vernon's pier, the middle photo is the ice house and the right photo is a replica (the original is in the museum) of the cornerstone with Lawrence Washington's initials.

Washington's Tomb is on the Mount Vernon property. He, Martha and several family members are buried here. 

Mount Vernon is a wonderful place to learn about the Father of our Country, to see bits of history and to reflect on the "what ifs." What if Washington had been power hungry rather than humble? Would we have become a monarchy? What if he and Martha had set a different tone for the First Family? What if he had never developed the business skills he had- would he have led our country differently? Oh- and be sure to sit a spell on the piazza as you ponder what might have been.

Fear Not...

"Giffords, her circle struggle together" ... "Turmoil in the Middle East- The Signs of Civil War" ... "Why a shutdown beats standing down" (referring to the budget) ... "Weather beaten- World running out of time to stop climate change" ... "How to get into college, in many stressful steps" ... "Md. House plans to act fast on gay marriage"  These are just a few of the headlines in a recent edition of our local paper, The Washington Post. And while they are intended to make you read the article by striking fear in your heart, they are also a reminder that we live in fearful times... at least according to popular opinion with a naturalistic worldview.

It is easy to get caught up in the fear frenzy, to forget that as Christians we are called to "fear not." Late last summer we noticed electronic signs along several major highways in the DC-Baltimore corridor. They came after several terrorist attempts, some suspected and some real,  in the United States and abroad.

The first time I saw this sign, my heart started racing and I wondered what we were doing here.

I have been reading the book of Isaiah this year and I am amazed at how many times God tells his people "do not be afraid" or some variation just in that book alone. So how does that work- to not be afraid when everyone and everything around you is screaming "Be afraid! Be very afraid!" God says in Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you and do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." I wish it said that we would never have things to be afraid of... but it doesn't. 

David wrote in Psalm 56:3-4 "When I am afraid, I will trust in You. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid." That has become my mantra when I am fearful. Do I vigilantly look for unattended bags in public places? Of course I do. But I don't allow the possibility of a terrorist act keep me from going to those public places. I don't dwell on the uncertainty in this world but look ahead to the certainty of the next.

This temporary electronic sign is moved from location to location and alternately flashes the message above with the Terror Tip Hotline number.

As I became less fearful I could even find some humor in the sign above. Is it a number to call to give or get tips on being a terrorist? While I know that is not the intended meaning, I am able to chuckle just a bit as I pass the sign... and not be frozen with fear. God is with me... I will not fear.

"You are my witnesses..."

Visiting the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is fun. Visiting the National Gallery of Art is relaxing. Okay, maybe not for everyone... but it is for a lot of people! Visiting the International Spy Museum is intriguing. Visiting a Holocaust museum is none of those things. And yet, we spent an afternoon last weekend at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. Why?

In recent years it has become fashionable in some circles to deny the Holocaust ever occurred. Some so- called "revisionist historians" (labeled "fiction writers" and "deniers" by the American Historical Association, the nation's oldest and largest organization for professional historians) promote their ideas, namely that the Jews made up the Holocaust to gain international sympathy and raise funds for Israel, by placing ads and invitations to "honest debate" in college and city newspapers. In 2009, the president of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, publicly called the Holocaust "a lie and pretext for occupying Palestinian lands" while much of the Middle East privately agreed. Public figures/celebrities (Louis Farrakhan and, to a lesser degree, Patrick Buchanan, for example) have jumped on the Holocaust denial train. Some US and European (mainly England) school districts and even individual teachers, in an effort to be "tolerant," are not teaching the Holocaust in their history classes because it might offend some of their Muslim students who are taught in their mosques that the Holocaust is a lie. 

But it wasn't always that way...

General Dwight D. Eisenhower inspected Ohrdruf concentration camp located near the town of Gotha, Germany after it was liberated by the US Army in 1945. In a cable to General George C. Marshall, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Washington, he wrote, "The things I saw beggar description... The visual evidence and the verbal testimony of starvation, cruelty and bestiality were so overpowering as to leave me a bit sick... I made the visit deliberately in order to be in a position to give first-hand evidence of these things if ever, in the future, there develops a tendency to charge these allegations merely to 'propaganda'." Eisenhower, a man that was no stranger to the ugliness of war  and combat, described Ohrdruf as "one of the most appalling sights I have ever seen." Just a week after his visit, he again cabled Gen. Marshall requesting members of Congress and journalists to be brought to the newly liberated camps so that the American public would know the horrible truths about Nazi atrocities. That same day Eisenhower received word from the Secretary of War and President Truman that the delegations would be sent. Their reports and photographs shocked the world.

That was 66 years ago. All our WWII veterans and the Holocaust survivors will soon be dead... and with them, the first-hand testimony.

"You are my witnesses"  Isaiah 43:10

As we went through the museum, I realized how easy it is to forget the extent of the horror, depravity and evilness of the events of the Holocaust. As a society, we have become desensitized by "shock and awe" media stories and Hollywood movies. When the national debt is over $14 TRILLION, 6 million people don't seem like that many. Murder has become common-place, even expected. 

Reading the exhibits, listening to survivors tell their stories, seeing real photographs was heartbreaking and sad. It made me angry... and ashamed. But most of all, it made me think. We must not let the world forget. We must not be "tolerant" of those who claim it never happened. There are 25 Holocaust museums in the United States... I urge you to visit one... and remember.

To fear the LORD is to hate evil.  Proverbs 8:13

Arlington National Cemetery

As we walked through the gates into Arlington National Cemetery last weekend, waves of emotions and feelings washed over me.

Awe... these are "hallowed grounds"... sacred, holy, reverent are synonyms for hallowed.  

Respect... for those who lost their lives defending our country, for those who lost loved ones who were defending our country, for the men and women who work at Arlington National Cemetery and for the Cemetery itself and what it stands for.

Gratitude... for those who selflessly are serving or have served our country, and especially for those who lost their lives. The headstones stretch out as far as the eye can see without regard to rank or status ... officers buried next to enlisted men and women.

"Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God"

Sorrow... for all the unknown soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery and for their families who didn't get closure. The remains of three unknown servicemen (one from WWI, one from WWII and one from the Korean War) are buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The remains of the unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War were disinterred in 1998 and identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael J. Blassie. He was reinterred in St. Louis, MO near his family's home. There are currently thousands of unidentified remains buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Admiration... for the soldiers who guard the Tomb of the Unknowns 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year in all weather. The are extremely well-disciplined and focused as they walk back and forth in full dress uniform. Their rifle is moved to the outside shoulder so that nothing comes between them and the soldiers they are guarding.

Changing of the guard occurs every hour during winter months and every half hour during summer months. Night rotations are two hours.

Pride... for the honorable way in which these unknown soldiers' remains are treated. They were valued in life and they are valued in death. Soldiers of the 3rd US Army Infantry Regiment (the Old Guard), after becoming ceremonially qualified, are eligible to volunteer as Sentinels at the Tomb.  They consider it a privilege and an honor to guard the tomb.

Hopeful... that future generations will remember and respect those who serve our country so selflessly. Schools and civic organizations can request to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. It is a formal ceremony complete with a bugler playing "Taps." 

Joy... that there are so many groups and individuals who want to pay tribute to the unknown soldiers. The Sentinels perform as many as 20 or more wreath-laying ceremonies a day.

Nostalgic... for times gone by. If you were over the age of five when President Kennedy was assassinated, you remember what you were doing when you heard the news. I was in 2nd grade taking a spelling test when the principal tearfully told the school over the intercom that our President had been shot and killed. School was dismissed shortly afterwards. It was a day of great mourning for our entire country- political affiliation didn't matter. It was a time when right and wrong were black and white without so many gray areas.

As we walked out the gate at the end of the day, we all stood a little taller and straighter... and felt a little more patriotic as we reflected on our time at Arlington National Cemetery.

Hello and Good-bye

We have been blessed with many friends and this past week one of them came to visit us. Dawn and I met fifteen years ago when our daughters were in the same class at school. While our daughters  haven't always kept in touch, Dawn and I have and I was delighted she wanted to come for a visit.

After submitting applications weeks in advance through our Representative, we were able to secure tours of both the White House and the Capitol on the day we spent in Washington, D.C. It was Dawn's first trip to our nation's capital so everything was new. We rode the Metro several times, including during rush hour when we had to stand and hang on! And we walked. And walked. And walked some more. In fact, according to Google Maps, we walked 5.8 miles not including the walking in our tours! We saw monuments, toured the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Museum and ate a hot dog from a street vendor for lunch. Richard met us for dinner and we did a tour of the monuments at night- spectacular! The weather was perfect and we had a fabulous day!

The White House tour goes through several rooms where we saw furnishings and artwork from many administrations. We saw the famous oil painting of George Washington that Dolley Madison saved during the War of 1812 when the British burned the White House. But the thing that made the biggest impression was that the White House has at least four full-time florists on staff to arrange and take care of the MANY fresh floral arrangements in the White House every day... but that's a topic for another post.

Our Representative, Jeff Flake, was able to meet with us for a few minutes in between votes. His intern (taking the picture) gave us a wonderful tour of the Capitol including taking us into the Gallery where we could watch the proceedings. In case you're wondering, the guy on the left is Hunter, an intern for the American Red Cross, who joined our tour.

One day we had tea at Tea on the Tiber, a Victorian Tea Room in historic Ellicott City. We meant to have our server take our picture but we got busy talking and forgot. After tea, we visited several antique shops and a chocolate shop. It was another fabulous day!

While Dawn was here, I received word that a dear friend in Arizona had lost her battle with cancer and was now with Jesus. I love God's timing. He provided a friend when I needed one... a friend who is a great listener and distracter. I was feeling sad about not being able to go to Kay's memorial service and she understood... it's hard to say good-bye. I look forward to the day when I see Kay again, whole and healed- and introduce her to Dawn!

Yep, we found another "Maryland Crab!" 

James Madison's "Montpelier"

Do you think of your home as simply a place, an address where you live? Or is it a place of respite, the nest you long for when you're away and then quite simply don't want to leave when you're there? After visiting Thomas Jefferson's Monticello a few weeks ago and James Madison's Montpelier last weekend, I am convinced these Founding Fathers' homes were not just mansions with an address but were a part of the men themselves, a cherished place that they loved.

Located in Orange County, Virginia, Montpelier is the home where James Madison grew up and then later inherited. He brought his bride, Dolly Payne Todd Madison, and her son and younger sister (she was a widow) to live there in 1794. Madison's parents also lived out their lives in separate but attached quarters. It was a very full house and a much-loved home!

James Madison, nick-named "the Father of the Constitution" by his peers, was a very intelligent man. Like his friend, Thomas Jefferson, Madison was constantly reading, learning and sharing his knowledge. And like Monticello, Montpelier also had an extensive library with books in several languages. 

Perhaps influenced by his friend, Jefferson, Madison also was intrigued with domes and had this structure, referred to as "Mr. Madison's Temple," erected over his underground ice house. It provided a cool place for Madison to read or meditate on hot summer days as he kept an eye on his beloved Montpelier.

In addition to the inner and outer slave quarters, kitchens, livery stables and tool shop, Montpelier also had extensive garden areas. Madison kept records of the weather and seasonal changes, often recommending planting suggestions to his gardeners- but he, himself, never did much planting or gardening.

Even at the end of winter, the gardens are meticulously shaped and with just a hint of imagination, we could see the color popping out all over the beds. What a sight it must be in the summer!

The mistress of Montpelier, Dolley Madison, is one of my favorite "Founding Mothers." Although her husband was the fourth President of the United States, she was the first First Lady to consciously and enthusiastically mold the highly public role of the wife of the President becoming the standard by which all later First Ladies were judged. She was the first to associate herself with a specific public project- establishing a Washington, D.C. home for young orphaned girls. Being intelligent and knowledgable about politics and people, she advised, encouraged and championed her husband. Dolley helped shape the tone of the White House as well with furnishings, parties and even dress that were classic, not courtly. And it was about her that the term "First Lady" was first used when then-president Zachary Taylor said, as he gave her eulogy, "the first lady of the land for over half a century." Her legacy was not only inspiring the term, but defining the role of First Lady for all subsequent wives of the President of the United States. 

James and Dolley Madison cherished Montpelier and their time there. As we toured the estate, I could imagine them welcoming a visitor in the hallway or walking the grounds hand-in-hand content to just be at home. Our house is not a mansion and doesn't have a name but I realized that I, too, am ready to "just be at home" (in Arizona), that place that I cherish and that gives me peace and contentment. And maybe we should give it a name... suggestions, anyone?