Independence Day From the Capitol

I ignored the advice of many well-meaning Washington, D.C. natives on July 4 and went with a group of friends from the ward to the Capitol proper. We sallied forth determined to brave the crowds, and we're glad we did. Although it was crowded, everyone was in good spirits, and it was very well organized -- they even had the National Guard out directing traffic!

The day began at 9:30 AM in front of the National Archives (I had come just a day earlier to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution) for speeches and such. We were surprised that during the patriotic musical medley, we heard "America" from "West Side Story." We also saw a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by the characters of Benjamin Franklin, John and Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and others. It was a good crowd, and we all cheered and booed at the appropriate times. Then came the four-time international whistling champion with "God Bless America" (I know--I had to hear it to believe it!).

We watched the parade and then set up camp on the National Mall. It was nice to have a large group, because we spent the better part of the day there, but we could trade off holding our places to go see other things throughout the day. This meant that we saw the new "augmented reality dinosaur exhibit" at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the astrolabe at the Air and Space Museum, and the telescope set up at the observatory to look at the sun.

The Hindu Krishnas had some tents set up, so a whole group from our ward went and chatted with them--they taught us how to meditate, which was nice. I also introduced everyone to my friend Shareef, an Egyptian who works at a food truck, which, ironically enough, sells Mexican food. It was certainly an American melting pot experience!

The weather was nice, because although it was sunny, Hurricane Arthur had blown all of the humidity away. I must say, I had been assured that humidity would have some benefit to make up for how unpleasant it is - healthier hair or skin, for example. Lies, all lies!
Anyway, the fireworks display was marvelous. It was not long, but it was lovely to be in the crowd and see the fireworks --even the letters "U-S-A" at one point-- go off beside the Washington Monument.