Phoenix Rising K5 Photography: September 9th 2011 - Washington D.C - Day 1 - PART 1

In September 2011, we were given the lifetime opportunity to visit America. Our trip was very short, but forever memorable!

Here are some photos from that adventure!

Washington D.C - Friday 9th September
Even though it was raining, we visited the following :-
* Washington National Cathedral (well drove past it)
* Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial Park
* Lincoln Memorial
* Vietnam Veterans Memorial
* US Capitol
* White House
* Smithsonian Museums - Air & Space and the American History

Of course of first nite there we went for a walk across the Key Bridge and come across these stairs, which looked familiar! Turns out they were the stairs used in the movie "The Exorist".

Below are photos from our day in Washington DC....

Breakfast at the hotel first morning with our "Firefighter" mascot - Ozzie Duck

We meet a couple of firefighters who were riding to New York for the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

The beautiful Washington National Cathedral

Following photos are from the Franklin D Roosevelt Memorial Park

This is the only place you will see Franklin D Roosevelt in his wheelchair. In the summer of 1921, Roosevelt became seriously ill. He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from poliomyelitis. He was almost totally paralyzed and he was never again to recover full use of his legs. It is believed that this illness changed Roosevelt's personality and in doing so, made him into a better man.

"Roosevelt underwent a spiritual transformation during the years of his illness. I noticed when he came back that the years of pain and suffering had purged the slightly arrogant attitude he had displayed on occasion before he was stricken. The man emerged completely warmhearted, with humility of spirit and with a deeper philosophy. Having been to the depths of trouble, he understood the problems of people in trouble."

Although confined to a wheelchair, Roosevelt returned to politics in 1928 to help his friend, Alfred Smith, in his unsuccessful attempt to beat Herbert Hoover in the presidential election.

Photos from the Lincoln Memorial

Photos from Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Photos from US Capitol & surrounds

Photos of the White House

Photos from Smithsonian "Air & Space Museum

After coming out of the "Air & Space" Smithsonian Museum - we met with Washington Police officers who were very happy to be photographed with our mascot "Ozzie Duck"