A Monumental Day

Lee Greenwood famously sang, "I'm proud to be an American" in his song "God Bless the U.S.A."  I have always known what he meant, but I was reminded on Sunday, April 27, when the State Teachers of the Year gathered in Washington, D.C. for a week of activities and celebration.  Our opening event was a reception hosted by EducationCounsel.  With a stunning view of the Capitol, the patriotic feelings began to flow.

From there it was a bus tour of some of the monuments.  There was the Washington Monument, now free from scaffolding.

There was the World War II Memorial.  I had a great uncle who fought in Germany and many other relatives who have served in the military, including my dad, who was in Korea.  No one can visit this memorial and not feel pride and gratitude.

We saw the Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to one of our greatest Presidents who had strong connections to Indiana.  The picture from the side shows Indiana carved into the top in the listing of states.

Our last stop was to see the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, which looks across the waters at the Jefferson Memorial.

Today will feature experiences at the Smithsonian Museums and a reception hosted by Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden at the home of the Vice President.

I have often told my Latin students that if they wanted to see Rome in its heyday, they should visit Washington, D.C., for there they will see Classical architecture, Latin inscriptions, and people from all nations going about business in the capital of a world-leading nation.  Indiana plays a proud role in the country whose government rests in this city, and I hope all Hoosiers will enjoy these few pictures of our shared legacy.