Arlington National Cemetery

This past Saturday (July 20th)--on one of the hottest days of the year-- I decided to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Even though I visited towards late afternoon, it was super hot and humid. I have been to Arlington two other times (once on a family vacation in July and once for my senior class trip in high school), but it was still very moving to be there. I was holding back some tears because I was thinking of all the Americans that sacrificed their lives for this country and for our freedom. I was supposed to go to Arlington National Cemetery with my aunt and cousin, but they could not attend at the last minute, so I flew solo.

Signs reminding everyone to be respectful and quiet were placed throughout Arlington. At one point, as I was walking up a hill towards the Eternal Flame (which seemed itself like eternity in the oppressive heat), the only sounds were of buzzing cicadas. People were around me, but it was so quiet that the droning of cicadas set the mood. It was the height of summer. The heat was beating down on me, but at that moment, I looked past the graves and in my mind's eye, I could see them. Men yelling and dodging explosives in WWII on the beaches in Normandy. Women fighting for our freedoms as well. Countless lives sacrificed for everything this country represents. Inspiring.

As I approached the Eternal Flame, I just thought of President John F. Kennedy and how much life he had yet to live but did not get a chance to. It was so very sad. The 50th Anniversay of his death is this year. So much has happened in America in the last 50 years.

I headed towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I saw the change of the guards twice and reflected on how these men in uniform never stop guarding the tomb (though rain, sleet, snow, or extreme heat (like the day I went)), protecting the soldier. I also love the inscription on the tomb (seen below).

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

I ended up walking around Arlington for 3+ hours. Yes, even in the 90+ heat, I enjoyed every bit of the experience. I love photography and had an enjoyable time taking some pictures. There were rows and rows and rows of marble grave sites....stretching into eternity and surrounding me. It just left me speechless. Each grave had a story. And each grave had a person and a face. I tried to envision what some of the heroes looked like when I read some of their names. In my mind's eye, they were looking back at me, fully dressed in their military apparel. Very powerful and emotional.

This is by far one of my favorite shots that I took that day. I just love how the lighting cast the robin in a silhouette.
As the day wore on and the sun began to set, the buzzing sounds of cicadas drifted into the chirp of crickets in the early evening and it cooled off a little, but not much. It was peaceful.

My visit to Arlington was very memorable. Thank you, soldiers, for your service.

-Lauren

We, the Pizza

At the very beginning of the summer semester, I took a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue with the idea that I was going to order pizza for dinner. It was a warm Friday night and right outside a restaurant called We, the Pizza, there was a huge line that went out into the sidewalk. I was shocked that so many people wanted pizza on a Friday night, but thought that it was probably busy because it was DC and the weekend. I wanted pizza, but thought that it was too crowded and decided to order a meal at Cosi (which is a restaurant right next door). When I was ordering my food at Cosi, a guy in line with me mentioned that the whole Obama family was next door eating pizza. I went back outside and noticed that a lot of people were there just to watch. I asked a guy coming out of the pizza shop if the Obama family was in there, but he said that just Michelle Obama was up on the second floor enjoying some Friday night pizza. As you can see in the picture above (the picture was taken on a different day), Mrs. Obama was apparently on the second floor eating pizza. Of course, they had the second floor blocked off (but I never went inside). There were at least three or more US Secret Service vehicles and even more personnel outside the restaurant waiting for her to finish her meal. This experience happened during one of the first few weeks I was here, and I thought it was interesting that the First Lady ate pizza at We, the Pizza on a Friday night. It was definitely a DC moment!

-Lauren :)

USA vs. German:
    A few weeks ago The United States soccer team faced the German team at the Stadium Armory field. This game was extremely special, because it also marked the 100th year anniversary of U.S. soccer. As I arrived at the Armory metro stop I exited the subway and was immediately swept into huge crowds of people. As I slowly made my way towards the stadium, I passed street vendors, huge tents from sponsors, and tailgates. Once inside the stadium I made my way up to my seats and instantly noticed the multiple German flags hanging around the stands. It seemed as if there was almost more German fans than American fans.
    My attention refocused to the field as staff members began to lay a large tarp, which looked like a soccer ball, across the center circle of the field. Then the flags of the American and German nations were displayed below the soccer ball, but before the teams emerged onto the field, the United States Olympic team entered the field. Finally the two teams emerged for the playing of the anthems, and the stadium seemed to become electric in anticipation.
    The game quickly went in the Americans favor, which seemed to create an air of tension, as the overwhelming number of German fans screamed in disbelief. The American team played a good game through the first half and had a solid lead on the Germans, but the tides quickly shifted again in the second half and the Germans started on a come back. With just a few minutes left in play, the Germans scored another goal and closed the gap down to one goal between them and the U.S. team. Luckily, the Americans were able to hold out till the end and win the game four to three. As the final whistle blew the stands went crazy, partially from the angry Germans, but mostly proud Americans. The afternoon will definitely go down as one of the craziest and most intense games I've ever experienced.

Spending Lunch a Little Differently

Today during lunch, I ventured to the St. Matthew's Cathedral across the street from my office on Rhode Island Avenue.  Since arriving, I have passed this building every day on my way to work but I have not known the history until recently.  When speaking with my pastor from home, he told me I should stop in and see the beauty of the cathedral, both for its religious and political aspect.

John F. Kennedy's funeral services were held in this building after he was assassinated during his presidency.  Though I am not catholic, to see this building was an amazing experience to understand the religious and political aspect of such a large church that has held a piece of history.  Today I took my lunch and ate near the church (amid the construction across the street and the hustle and bustle of the business gurus on their phones) as the temperatures have cooled off.  After eating, I stepped inside and saw a beautifully built church and felt the history of the past.

It's crazy to think that there are so many pieces of history around us, but sometimes we fail to take in the beauty.  With the last week of interning coming to an end in DC, I am glad I explored the St. Matthew's Cathedral.

Aaron Clapper

Nationwide Children's Lobbying Day

A few weeks ago, I was able to participate in a fly-in for one of our clients, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The issues on which we were lobbying were TRICARE (the military personnel’s health insurance) and increased funding for pediatric research. The CEO of Nationwide, Steve Allen, and the Director of Federal Relations, Morna Smith, were both there, as well as the youngest lobbyist on the Hill, a two-and-a-half-year old, Patrick Bibbee. Patrick is a former patient of Nationwide, having been born seventeen weeks premature. He and his twin sister were both under 1.5 lbs. and suffered from many afflictions that are prevalent among preemies. Patrick’s sister, Paige, did not survive. But the doctors were able to use what happened to Paige and forecast what would happen to Patrick—in effect, Paige saved her brother’s life. After having multiple operations and spending six months in intensive care, Patrick is a bubbly, happy toddler today, and he and his family spend some time pushing for adequate investments in military health care (Patrick’s father is in the army) and in pediatric research are made. Though I was on crutches, I was very proud to be crutching around Capitol Hill, learning more and more about Patrick’s story with every meeting and providing support to the partners at Normandy who have worked so hard on this issue.

Patrick Bibbee and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3).
I am in the top left. Can't you tell from my stylish power tie?

When in Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s office, Patrick handed the Congresswoman a baseball card that had his picture on it and his story, then high-fived her, and jumped up and down excitedly. The Congresswoman reiterated her support for pediatric research, and said, “Patrick is a miracle, and we need more of these miracles.” 

Part Four Of All Of The Parts

...The lady behind me decided to loudly ask her neighbor about the condition of his smartphone. Apparently his phone is broken and apparently she works for the Smithsonian researching phone repair. At what point do you turn down that path? Anyway, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but some people are so loud even eardrum-punishingly loud music can't drown their far-too-interested droning. 

Fourth of July weekend is the latest stop on my tour to epic remembrance, especially considered due to its unique length and unique Americanism. I spent most of the weekend with my girlfriend. On Thursday we walked the mall and ducked into the Museum of Natural History to escape the heat, and then left soon after to escape the equally extreme AC. The World War II Memorial sufficed for a resting point, and the cool water was quite welcome. I was thirsty enough to drink the water but sweaty enough to bathe in it, which clearly indicated that both choices would be terrible. We walked some more and stopped at a restaurant on F St, where I proceeded to eat so much America-in-the-form-of-hotdogs that I was sick for the next four hours. That night we walked back to the lawn to watch the fireworks. They were bright and American.

On Friday we went to Georgetown. It was the first time I had visited the famed neighborhood, and I was overcome with love. It was just so GREAT! Thankfully, we hitched a ride on the Circulator on the way back, because if we hadn't, I never would have experienced the 3 mile, hour long ride with a surely crazy lady who reserved a seat for her bag and fought off anyone who protested. That night I attended my first Nationals game. They played the Padres so no one cared, but the Nationals scored the most goal/touchdowns and won the match, so all was well.

Saturday I think we did almost nothing, but I don't remember for sure.

Sunday we walked to H St for the CVS minute clinic. It was a lot of fun. Then we went to the pool and went out to dinner. I said goodbye later that night and so ended an interesting weekend of memories and America. It was a nice respite but too long a break from reality that was rudely interrupted on Monday morning. The continued to roll along.



Eric D'Angelo

Part Three Of All Of The Parts

...I just saw lightning from the window of my bus (definitely one of the coolest natural phenomena; like, top five for sure, though I'm willing to hear other opinions) which made me think back to the middle of June. Things were certainly getting spicy at the German Marshall Fund. We were set to hold, on June 19th, the grand opening of the Richard G. Lugar Institute for Diplomacy and Congress. The Lugar Diplomacy Institute opening went swimmingly, hosting as many as 20 members of Congress. Senator Bob Corker spoke on behalf of former Senator Lugar and the institute, and Secretary of State John Kerry even made an appearance. I checked in a number of people at the desk in the hallway.

After the opening events slowed down significantly at GMF, and they still haven't truly picked up again. Two days after the launch event I again left for Ohio; this time for my cousin's wedding. It was a great week, and was topped off by the weekend. I started to look forward to the Fourth of July week, which was less that two weeks away. 

On June 23rd, I again took the lonely flight from Ohio back to Washington, and the long ride back to Capitol South. But, as it did the previous time, the flight into DC, one during which the airplane seemed to skim the Potomac, almost made the whole venture worthwhile. 



Eric D'Angelo

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

It is always difficult for busy college students to forget about the importance of religion, especially when studying in a new city.  Sadly, after twelve weeks I only made it to Mass 4 times, all in St. Josephs Church on Capitol Hill.  This morning though, I decided to wake up early and take the metro to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the Catholic University of America.  It was the largest church I have ever seen!  The metro was running way behind, like usual, but I still arrived about fifteen minutes before the 10:30 Mass.  I walked into the Basilica and immediately looked up, there was a giant dome in the center and gorgeous paintings of Biblical stories along the walls and ceilings.  There was a small opening at the top of the dome, but it let in enough light for the entire Basilica.  It was very heartwarming that by the time Mass started, every pew in the gigantic Basilica was filled and people had to stand along the walls.  With all of the studies showing how religion is less popular than ever in the United States, this was a nice visual to remind us that religion is still a core foundation for our country.

  

The gospel was about Mary sitting and learning from Jesus while Martha was doing all of the household chores.  The lesson from the Gospel is balance.  In a city like DC, where hard work seems to take up the majority of our time (like Martha), we must remember to relax and enjoy the presence of each other (like Mary).  I am so glad that I spent my Sunday morning visiting and celebrating Mass in one of the great treasures of Washington DC.  As I walked out of the Basilica, I noticed a sign with the motto of the Catholic University: For God and For Country.  We always try to separate Church from politics, but both have the same mission of solving problems in the world.  This beautiful shrine was a nice reminder of that.  
- Jake

Part Two Of All Of The Parts

...I recall that in the following few weeks my adventures slowed down as the weather baked the cement filled Capitol neighborhood. The three day Memorial weekend was a nice break after nearly a month of almost-not-quite "full-time" work at my internship. There was much merryment to be had while also memorializing fallen veterans of American conflict. On Friday or Saturday night (I can't remember which) myself at three others attended the Memorial weekend concert on the Capitol lawn, which turned out to be an extremely sad, but worthwhile, undertaking. 

The following weekend I flew out of Reagan National to the great state of Ohio for a weekend of Ohio stuff with Ohio people. It was difficult getting back to Washington late on Sunday night, walking through the airport alone, and taking the long metro ride back to 215 Constitution. An underrated aspect of the flight into Reagan, however, is the landing. At night, when the city is lit up, the plane takes you directly over the Potomac for an spectacular and unrivaled view of the city. It's almost worth the price of admission. 

In the time I was gone I'm almost positive our room at the Congressional shrank. It could just be the heat.



Eric D'Angelo

Marine Corp Memorial

I have been late in posting on the blog, so expect a lot of posts from me this week.

Yesterday,  I woke up early on a Saturday morning.  Since everyone was sleeping in, I decided to explore a monument I still haven't been to, the Marine Corp Memorial.  About ten seconds after leaving the Congressional I was sweating bullets from the DC July temperatures.  I took the Blue line on Capitol South to the Rosslyn stop in Arlington Virginia.  I came out of the tunnel and felt like I was in a Midwest city again.  Big skyscrapers overlooking a beautiful river.  I walked a few blocks south to reach my destination

The memorial was so much larger than I expected.  Six larger than life men raising Old Glory in the most treacherous conditions.  The sky was dark and overcast with strong guests of wind, similar to that fateful day in WWII.  The statue is outlined with words naming the great battles and wars in which the Marine Corp fought.  The Marine Corp, founded in 1775, is older than our Nation herself.  Many marines, both men and women, have died in these battles defending our nation and our nation's ideals.  This really hit me when I read one of the side panels.  Of the six men you see raising the flag on Iwo Gima, three of them never left the island.  This memorial was a powerful reminder that when freedom is in danger, it is our duty to protect it, no matter what the costs.  The statement on the memorial reads: Uncommon Valor was a Common Virtue.
- Jake Bradley