I have said it here before that I’ve had a crush on Florence for years, but, truth be told, the first city I fell in love with hard was Washington, D.C.
I really never had any interest in visiting D.C., but, as a college sophomore, I filled in for someone at the last minute to attend a leadership conference there. I loved everything about the city, but mostly, I loved how being there made me so proud, and grateful, to be an American. I loved it so much that I convinced Boyfriend (you got it, now Husband) to spend the summer between our junior and senior years on a school program, working, learning, and living right in the heartbeat of our nation. Which is how I never ended up on semester abroad — I loved America more.
I have long felt that I am able to love Italy so much now because I am American first. Like a child from a loving home feels empowered to venture away from the nest, so too can I love and explore another country, comforted in the knowledge that home waits for me.
Perhaps Daughter says it best:
“In some countries, girls can’t be whatever they want, so I’m glad I live in America.” Me too, Daughter, for both of us. I hope you grow up to be that geologist, if that’s what you still want when the time comes.
Wishing you blessings, joy and gratitude this 4th of July.
❤
I find the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. especially touching. Here’s a small photo essay from our visit on a most gorgeous weather weekend last fall.
The Washington Monument viewed from the World War II Memorial:
A tribute to those who served:
Special thanks to the women of WWII:
Never can resist visiting a library:
Inside the Library of Congress:
Reflections and The Lincoln Memorial:
This post first appeared on Prayers and Piazzas. All photos by Stacy di Anna Pollard.
The Lincoln Memorial was, perhaps, my favorite. It felt very solemn and reverent there, at least in 1976. 🙂
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I agree with you Bonnie. It’s so thought provoking, and I love standing at the top of the stairs looking out over the Reflecting Pool.
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I went to D.C. the first time at the end of sixth grade, 18 months before my first trip to Italy (Venice, Sorrento, Florence, Rome). I remember thinking that being in D.C. felt absolutely American in the exact same way that Rome, later, felt essentially Italian. I loved both cities then, and still, and probably always. Happy holiday weekend to you and your family. Tell your daughter that I, too, (along with my daughter) am glad to live in a country that allows us to become our fullest selves.
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Very well said, Jennifer. I agree that both cities capture the essence of their countries perfectly, and you just can’t help but fall in love with both but for very different reasons. Blessings to your family as well this long weekend!
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I haven’t been to Washington, but I love the places I have visited in America.
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I’m glad to hear that, Debra. 🙂 Washington, D.C. is a bustling with energy and history. Fall and Spring are really nice times to visit if you ever decide to. Hope you are well!
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Beautiful pictures!! I love the idea that you can love other countries so much because you loved America first. Happy early 4th of July to you!
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Thank you, and to you 🙂
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