Our second full day in Washington, D.C. was one of solemn reflection and historical immersion – a journey through the heart of American memory.

We began at Ford’s Theater, the site of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, and the Peterson House across the street, where he spent his final hours. Though the government shutdown kept us from touring inside, simply standing in proximity to these places was powerful. The weight of history lingered in the air, reminding us how a single moment can alter the course of a nation.

From there, we walked to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, beginning with the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and the Three Servicemen statue. These figurative sculptures were added in response to early controversy surrounding the memorial’s original design – a minimalist black granite wall inscribed with over 58,000 names. Critics initially called it a “black gash of shame,” arguing it lacked traditional patriotic symbolism. But over time, Maya Lin’s design has become a revered space for healing and remembrance, its simplicity allowing each visitor to connect personally with the names etched in stone.

Afterward, we rented scooters and made our way to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, where Dr. King’s likeness emerges from the “Stone of Hope,” framed by the “Mountain of Despair.” The memorial’s design draws from his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and honors his legacy as a champion of justice, peace, and equality.

Just a short ride away, the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial offered a sprawling, immersive experience. Divided into four outdoor rooms representing each of FDR’s presidential terms, the memorial features sculptures, waterfalls, and engraved quotes that tell the story of a nation weathering the Great Depression and World War II. Eleanor Roosevelt is also honored here, a testament to her global humanitarian work.

We continued to the Jefferson Memorial, a neoclassical tribute to the author of the Declaration of Independence. Inside, a 19-foot bronze statue of Jefferson stands surrounded by excerpts from his writings, including his passionate defense of religious freedom and individual rights.

Lunch was a welcome break at the historic Old Ebbitt Grill, Washington’s oldest saloon, founded in 1856. With its Victorian charm and storied past – hosting presidents from Grant to McKinley – it felt like dining in a living museum. The atmosphere was quintessential D.C.

Recharged, we headed to the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial. Based on the iconic photograph of Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi, the sculpture is a stirring tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the Corps.

We concluded our day at Arlington National Cemetery, a place of profound reverence. We paid our respects at the gravesites of John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and his brothers Robert and Edward Kennedy, where the Eternal Flame burns as a symbol of legacy and hope.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we witnessed the Changing of the Guard—a solemn, precise ceremony performed by the elite Sentinels of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment. Every movement, from the 21 steps to the 21-second pauses, honors the highest military traditions and the unknown heroes who gave everything.

Our final stop was Arlington House, once the home of Robert E. Lee and now a museum of reconciliation. From its hilltop perch, the view of Washington is unmatched – a sweeping panorama of monuments, memorials, and the ideals they represent. It was a breathtaking end to a day filled with remembrance, reverence, and reflection.

Three things we learned worth sharing:

1. You don’t need access to buildings to feel the weight of history.
2. Spy gadgets are cool, but the real heroes are buried at Arlington.
3. The view from Arlington House is worth every step – and every moment of silence.