I just returned from Washington DC and wanted to thank all of you who shared your thoughts, suggestions and advice, as well as your personal experiences. It was great having them (and you) along with me. I went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on day one to find and touch the name of my best friend Kenny Gilliam who was killed in Vietnam in 1969. Truly a moving experience and it certainly brought back a lot of old memories, good and not so good. I learned that day that it isn't about the statues, the park surrounding it or even the wall, but the 58,175 names on it. To fully understand that you have to get up close and personal with The Wall. Finally, after so many years, I did.
Since all of you are devotees of Rick Steves you certainly know what a "back door" is. On the second day there I had visited a number of monuments and several Smithsonian museums before heading back to the Vietnam Memorial to see it at night. On the way down Constitution Avenue, which passes between the White House and the Washington Monument, I came upon the Ellipse and Presidential Park where I would soon learn the taping of the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and television show would start in an hour. Unfortunately you needed a ticket to get in and the closest you could get where I was standing was 500 yards. I was trying to take a few pictures with a zoom lens, but it was just too far. About that time a passerby suggested I walk about half a block to another place where I might get a better picture. As you who have been there know, the blocks in DC are huge and this one was no exception. I walked nearly a mile to the place she suggested and found it was about 300 yards away. Still too long for a good picture, but better than the other place. Just then I heard a disgruntled woman asking if anyone wanted her ticket. She had apparently been in a long line and decided to go home. I jumped at the chance and in I went. Heading out to the standing room only section I spotted a park ranger and ask directions. "Honey", she said with a grin, "you don't belong HERE. You're in the blue seats over there by the media" and walked me over. Just as I was sitting down in my seat just 20 rows in front of the Marine Corps band on the stage out walks Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, hosts for the evening. They in turn introduced the President and first family who after a short speech turned on the lights on the tree. Two hours later I filed out of the park with a thousand others after being entertained by a variety of well known performers. I was walking on air as I made my way down to the Memorial to say goodbye to Kenny, This week the show is being aired on PBS stations all over the country and last night I recorded it. I still can't believe what happened and what I would have missed out on if I'd just kept going. "Back Doors". I encourage you all to take them when you have the opportunity, no matter what city or country you may be traveling in, or even at home. Happy holidays and thanks again for your help.
Jim