Dead Horse Point Moab Utah

Every turn was a breathtaking view. In the far distance were the snow capped LaSal Mountains. 

LaSal Mountain loop road

Our view as we crossed the LaSal loop road. Breathtaking.

Snow in the Rockies June 21st

Currently on vacation heading to the canyon lands in Utah and Arizona.  Will return soon.

The picture below we took June 21st 2011 when we crossed the Rocky mountains on route 76 west.

Washington D.C. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Peace, Victory, and Valor.

During the Rolling Thunder Rally I was able to witness the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The young men chosen to guard the unknown soldier are some of America's best. Requirements of the Guard:

"They must commit 2 years of life to guard the tomb, live in a barracks under the tomb, and cannot drink any alcohol on or off duty FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES. They cannot swear in public FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES and cannot disgrace the uniform {fighting} or the tomb in any way.

After TWO YEARS, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as guard of the tomb. There are only 400 presently worn. The guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin.

The shoes are specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet. There are metal heel plates that extend to the top of the shoe in order to make the loud click as they come to a halt. There are no wrinkles, folds or lint on the uniform. Guards dress for duty in front of a full-length mirror.

The first SIX MONTHS of duty a guard cannot talk to anyone, nor watch TV. All off duty time is spent studying the 175 notable people laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. A guard must memorize who they are and where they are interred. Among the notables are: President Taft, Joe E. Lewis {the boxer} and Medal of Honor winner Audie Murphy, {the most decorated soldier of WWII} of Hollywood fame. Every guard spends FIVE HOURS A DAY getting his uniforms ready for guard duty."

Standing Tall

We took these photos while visiting our "Statue of  Liberty"

To think you were once able to climb inside Miss Liberty all the way up through her torch. Now with a special pass only, you can go up through her crown. However most visitors now only go to the top of her base.

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”

The sign below reads: A Gift from the people of the Republic of France to the People of the United States.