The Kreidlers: July 2009

Friday, July 31, 2009

Jefferson Memorial

A few shots at the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin.

One tour we took of DC was particularly interesting. We took a Twilight Tour on the TourMobile! I had reservations about booking this tour; however, it was FANTASTIC! Our tour guide was Melvin and he was wonderful. Mel pointed out to many interesting things about DC while we were driving to the Monuments that first night including various federal US Agencies/Departments, Museums, Houses, etc.

Here are a few pictures at the FDR Memorial from that night. More pictures from the Twilight Tour will follow, if not tonight, then tomorrow!

Emily and FDR's dog - Fala.

Eleanor

Grandpa, Em and I standing in the bread/soup line.

Man listening to FDR speech.

Running Tour of Washington DC

While in DC, our running schedule dictated that we run 7 miles on Sunday. So, we decided to do a running tour of DC. Here's what our run looked like:

Shortly after leaving the JW Marriot at 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, we stumbled across the White House, stopped, said hi to "Barry", and continued on our way!

After we left the White House, we headed up to Capital Hill. On the way, Paul saw a sign that said the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was just blocks away. So, we decided to run by and look for his Uncle Mike's name on the Wall. Mike was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1985. We missed the turn, but eventually asked directions and found the Memorial.

While at the Memorial, we looked for our neighbor's brother, a Kirkwood Officer that was killed at City Hall in 2008. Ironically, his name is located on the Panel right next to Uncle Mike's.

After we left that Memorial, we continued on to Capital Hill.

At the base of Capital Hill

We ran around the Capitol and stumbled on the US Supreme Court. Hallowed ground for this attorney!

Lady Gaga- I mean JUSTICE!

Then, we ran back over to the Capitol. It was such a perfect day for pictures! What a sky!

Before continuing on, we took a good, long look down the Mall.

So, our run continued down the mall, past the Smithsonian Castle and onto the Washington Monument.

At the Washington Monument:

On the way down to the Lincoln Memorial (it's a lot longer of a run from the WWII Memorial than I thought!).

At the Lincoln looking down the Mall. At this point, Paul's feeling pretty good and I'm ready to be done!

WWII Memorial at Night

The Memorial: Lincoln Memorial as seen from the WWII Memorial.

Paul, Em and I:

Grandpa and I...

Floyd Goes to Washington

Paul, Emily, my mom and I were honored to escort one of the proudest WWII Veterans we know - Floyd Stellmacher - to Washington DC a few weeks ago for his long awaited visit to the WWII Memorial on Washington DC's National Mall.

When Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Floyd Stellmacher was only 17 years old. After turning 18 and graduating high school, Floyd enlisted in the US Army and dreamt of driving tanks. Luckily, Floyd didn't realize his dream of driving tanks, but rather he worked on Tank Recovery in the European Theatre. Why do I saw luckily? Floyd told us in DC that the Germans decimated the 9th Armored Division (his Division) during the Battle of the Bulge. I think Floyd realizes that he was lucky to have not been driving any tanks while overseas!

Most of you probably know who Floyd is, but if you don't, let me tell you. He's a father, (my) grandfather, great-grandfather, and finally, he is a VERY proud WWII Veteran.

Paul and I were so honored to witness him seeing the WWII Memorial for the first time. We saw the Memorial with Grandpa three times, twice at night and once during the day. It was such a neat experience to see strangers thank my Grandpa for his service. My heart swelled with love and pride every time someone thanked him.

At last - the WWII Memorial

Explaining the bas reliefts at the Memorial that tell the story of WWII, both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres.

The relief that depicted the Battle of the Bulge.

The Atlantic Arch

There are 56 pillars representing each state and territory that sent soliders to war. Ironically, the Wisconsin pillar is right next to the Atlantic Arch.

Grandpa checking out the Freedom Wall. There are 4,048 gold stars, each star representing 100 Americans who died in the war.

Grandpa talking to a volunteer who was interested in Grandpa's Service and hearing Grandpa's stories.

Looking at the WWII Memorial with the Lincoln Memorial in the distance.

There are two "Kilroys" at the Memorial. The rumor is that no one is sure how they got there.

A quote by the fountain under the Atlantic Arch. Around the base of the fountain, many of the key battles are listed. Two of them are of great pride for my Grandpa since the 9th Armored participated in those battles - the Battle of the Bulge and Remagen Bridge.