Ambience of Silence

Ambience of Silence, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

This is the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. On the day Kathy and I visited there were very few other guests walking the galleries. It was nearly silent and the sound of our footsteps reverberated across the vast open spaces. I could almost hear the hushed voices of visitors past, diminished but not forgotten.

A Portrait of You

A Portrait of You, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

On the evening of March 6, 1865, Abraham and Mary Lincoln arrived at the Patent Office Building in Washington DC. They joined an estimated 5,000 guests who had gathered to attend the President's second inaugural ball. Construction of the building begain in 1836. It was used as a hospital during the American Civil War. It was spared from the wreckers ball in 1958 by then President Dwight Eisenhower. Today the building houses the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

Temple of Freedom

Temple of Freedom, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

When the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 it was seen as a fitting tribute to one of our greatest presidents. Today, memories of Marian Anderson and Martin Luther King have elevated this place into something higher. Whenever I visit, I can't help but reflect on what freedom in America means and on the great sacrifices that others have made to preserve that freedom.

Time will never fade

Time will never fade, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington DC was built in 1899. It features a spectacular atrium that towers over a food court on the first level. This vertorama consists of 4 images stitched together.

Super Cruising at the Udvar Hazy Center

Super Cruising at the Udvar Hazy Center, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The Mach 2 Air France Concorde takes center stage at the Udvar Hazy Center in Washington DC.

The Flyer, Spirit and Columbia

The Flyer, Spirit and Columbia, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

In 1903 Orville and Wilbur Wright flipped a coin to decide who would attempt the first controlled, powered flight in a heavier-than-air aircraft which they themselves had designed. Orville, a 32 year old bicycle mechanic won the coin toss.

24 years after their success, Charles Lindbergh flew alone from New York to Paris in the high wing monoplane the "Spirit of St. Louis”. You can see it hanging from the ceiling in this image on the left side. 150,000 cheering Parisians greeted him when he landed at Le Bourget. He was 25 years old.

42 years later he personally witnessed the launch of the giant Apollo 11 moon rocket topped by the Command Module "Columbia" which you can see in the foreground. The Columbia carried Michael Collins, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Neil Armstrong to the Moon. And it was there on July 20, 1969 during the final moments before the landing when Neil had to take manual control of the Lunar Module "Eagle" because their targeting computer was guiding them to a landing spot covered with car size boulders. He successfully landed the Eagle with six seconds of fuel remaining. He was 39 years old.

Over 66 years these men in their twenties and thirties made world history as did everyone who supported their endeavors. Not just for the United States but for all mankind. It's just amazing to me that at one time all three historic flying machines resided in the Milestones of Flight Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C. and anyone could just walk in and see them all at once.

When I am lucky enough to visit and I see kids and even adults just pass through this gallery and not really give any of the exhibits here a second glance, I wonder if they have any idea how historic these artifacts are and how they changed our world so profoundly.

This image is fairly unique. You might notice there are no people in it. This is very rare since the National Air and Space is the most visited museum in the world. Manny and I had just seen a few IMAX movies in the museum. We figured that by the time the last film had concluded, the museum would be closed. We planned to linger behind for a few minutes to let the crowd exit the building so I could get this and a few other shots before the security guards kicked us out (which they politely did).

(Note: The Wright Brother's 1903 flyer is now located in its own gallery and is displayed at floor level so guests can get a better look at it.)

Keeping the Watch

Keeping the Watch, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

American men and women, most serving far from home are protecting the independence and freedom we are celebrating today. Some like the elite members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry are guarding the tomb of the unknowns in Washington D.C.'s Arlington National Cemetery. The unidentified remains of American Servicemen are interred here. The tomb is guarded 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, regardless of weather conditions.

When will his glory fade?

When will his glory fade?, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The first time I visited the Lincoln Memorial I remember thinking it was a very beautiful place and wonderfully sited. Lincoln's Statue gazes over the heads of visitors and seems to be looking at the wonders of the National Mall spread out before him. These include the long reflecting pool, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument and the United States Capital Building. Although the statue evokes a strong feeling of his resolve to preserve the Union, it also feels somewhat sad. Lincoln is not depicted in glory but instead he seems serene and reflective.

Sunset on the National Mall

Sunset on the National Mall, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

The World War II and Lincoln Memorials on the National Mall at sunset.

Personal Spacecraft

Personal Spacecraft, originally uploaded by big_pixel_pusher.

It's really a miracle that men and women work outside of the international space station, often for hours without the benefit of a tether. The spacesuits they wear are in fact personal spacecraft providing everything they need to survive in the harsh reality that is space. These suits maintain a constant 72 degrees farenheit when the environmental temperature is +250 in the sun and -250 in the shade. Extraordinary engineering.