To be continued............

Tomorrow Greg and I make the 15 hour trip back to Illinois. Just two short months ago, I arrived in Washington DC metro area; so much has happened--all good!It has been life changing for me in so many ways.

I hope to return to our nation's capitol one day; hopefully sooner than later. God bless America, land that I love.

For now, this blog will sit idle but hopefully one day soon resume. Thanks for reading. I hope you were entertained and inspired through sharing in my experiences by reading my blog.

To be continued.............

Wonmin and Sugee

During the course of our lives, very special people join us for a portion of the journey. This past summer, I was blessed with the friendships of Wonmin and Sugee. The three of us hit it off immediately, despite the age difference (they are 19). In fact, they said I act like one of them! As we go our separate ways, we will stay in touch on Facebook as we do not know when/if we will be reunited. But for now, I am most grateful for their friendship and companionship. We enjoyed several adventures in our short time together which have created lasting memories. Thanks Wonmin and Sugee. I love you both and will never forget you!

60th Anniversary Korean War Banquet

I had the high honor of being invited to sing our National Anthem and God Bless America by my friend/events manager Jim Fisher for the 60th Anniversary of Korean War banquet. It was an enchanted evening. Fairytale like. It has always been one of my deepest wishes to meet the Commandant of the United States Marine Corp. I did not know he would be in attendance so when I saw him walk right past me, I gasped for air! I followed him and instantly struck up a conversation. I told him he had awarded me the Quality Citizenship Award along with his Challenge Coin and how they are both displayed on my bookshelf at home. Also, told him about my Marine sons before asking to pose for a picture. He was very gracious. Later, I was able to chat briefly with his lovely wife. At this writing, I am still in awe of the experience!

There were several Ambassadors in attendance as well as many high ranking military and government officials. The food and program were both wonderful! I was energized and in my element. There is something of great value and extremely personally rewarding to me when nations come togehter in peace and unity.

Along with Greg, Jim extended his invitation to friends Wonmin and Sugee because the event was Korean in nature. It was a real treat to see them meet and have their picture taken with the Korean Ambassador.

What a thrill it was to be able to not only attend, but to participate in the program. What a gift!

July 4 in DC

My friends Wonmin, Sugee and I attended a July 4 celebration at GPO--Government Pringing Office. They hosted a nice picnic indoors (cause it was so hot!) then at dusk we went to the rooftop to view fireworks DC style. It was very cool! You could see the nation's capitol to one direction and the Washington Monument in another with awesome fireworks going nonstop for a long time.

On the way home, the Metro was packed like sardines with people. But believe it or not, I met someone who works in Quincy, Illinois and she had participated in Operation Santa! She yelled for her husband to come over and meet me.

Then, after we got off at our Metro stop, there were two street musicians. So I went up and asked them, since it was our nation's birthday, if I could sing our National Anthem. They said sure so I belted it out. The crowd was very receptive, the musicians were complimentary, and I had great satisfaction in knowing I sang 'publicly' on July 4 in Washington DC.

A Capitol Fourth

Tonight I attended the dress rehearsal for a Capitol Fourth concert. It will be aired live July 4 on PBS and the concert is celebrating 30 years. A friend provided VIP tickets for me and my two buds from work—Wonmin and Sugee. Performers were David Archuleta, Gladys Knight, Darius Rucker Lang Lang—concert pianist prodigy, John Schneider and Reba McIntyre, The National Symphony Orchestra, Choral Arts Society of Washington, Military District of Washington, U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, U.S. Army Ceremonial Band and U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Jimmy Smits was the Emcee. Canons went off at one point. There’s something very special about celebrating our nation’s birthday in our nation’s capitol. The weather was perfect—it was a beautiful evening! Thanks to my friend, Jim, who made the evening possible!

Sunset Parade

The Commission's Executive Director and its interns were among the invited guests of the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps Carlton W. Kent to attend the Sunset Parade at the Iwo Jima Memorial. A reception preceded the parade at the Women's War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery. Fabulous evening, great good in the company of America's Finest!

Senator Byrd

While visiting the Hart Building on business, I took this shot of Sen. Byrd's plague outside his office. Through the glass doors you could see no one was there, the lights were turned off and several bouquets of flowers dotted the area. I could smell their beautiful scent through the locked glass doors. At that same moment, his funeral was taking place in West VA.

3 co-workers and I from the Commission were fortunate enough to experience the high honor of participating in the wreath laying at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. Greg was also in attendance and took pics for us. It was a dream come true for me.

DC T-shirts

Grandchildren Alexandria and Gabriel donning their new DC t-shirts.

Commandant's Own

Wonmin, Sugee are two of my co-workers. We attended a concert at the WWII Memorial of the Commandant's Own, the USMC Drum and Bugle Corps. It was a spectacular evening with perfect weather and quality musicians. We had a great time!
The band is now the only full time active duty drum corps in the United States Armed Forces. As one of many United States military bands, the United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps consists of 80 active-duty Marines dressed in ceremonial red and white uniforms. The band performs martial and popular music.