Washington, D.C.

2.20.09 I drove to Woodbridge, VA last night. Woodbridge is the site of tonight’s show. I’m excited to have the day to explore Washington, D.C. My congressman arranged for me to tour the Capitol Building. It is a great treat. After a tour and a visit to my congressman’s office, I go to the National Portrait Gallery/The Smithsonian Museum of American Art. It is freezing cold with a powerful, biting wind blowing. Fortunately, I’m prepared for it.

In the rotunda of the Capitol:


Andrew Jackson keeping watch against a painting in the rotunda:


The National Statuary Hall Collection. Each state provided two statues of notable people from their state to be displayed in the Capitol:

Congressman Jim Cooper has a nice view from his desk:

I normally seek out historical things to see when in D.C., but today I want to see art. The art is historical as well, of course, but I want to see and experience it in a different way. More than just for its historical significance, I want to experience the art purely for the experience it brings to my senses.

I’m shocked at what is here at the National Portrait Gallery. The paintings and sculpture here are of amazing beauty. Some images are so well-known that probably every American has seen one at least of them in some form or another. It is absolutely worth a visit.

The courtyard that joins the National Portrait Gallery and the Smithsonian Museum of American Art:

I come back to the Capitol to sit in the gallery and view the House of Representatives. I’m so glad I’m seeing this. I look at the main podium and imagine the moment when FDR stood there and gave his “Day of Infamy” address; Truman addressing Congress; and every President since and many before standing at that spot. President Obama will address Congress and the nation here just two nights from now.

I head out into the cold and make the walk down the mall one and a half miles to the World War II memorial. I walk past the Washington monument and arrive at the memorial. It’s winter, so the fountains are not running. It is still quite impressive.

The Washington Monument from the World War II Memorial:

My cousin Larry picks me up for a driving tour and dinner at The Chart House in Alexandria. It’s a great night. It’s wonderful to catch up with him and see the sights of Alexandria, Georgetown, the Air Force Memorial, the Pentagon and more.