Annapolis

Today we visited Annapolis Harbor. We had seafood on the waterfront, took boat tour, then I had the privilege of singing our National Anthem on the waterfront for tourists.

My friend Jim gave us VIP tickets to attend the dress rehearsal for the National Memorial Day Concert. The evening air was perfect and the tribute paid to America’s fallen heroes was very moving. Thanks Jim!
For more than 20 years, PBS has been proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform, their families at home and all those who have given their lives for our country with the annual broadcast of the National Memorial Day. The 21st annual broadcast of the "National Memorial Day Concert" will air live in HD before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home and our service members around the world on the American Forces Network.
The multi award-winning event, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, will be co-hosted for the fifth year by Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise ("CSI: New York") and Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna ("Criminal Minds"), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veterans’ causes and supporting our troops in active service.
Joining co-hosts Sinise and Mantegna will be an all-star line-up of dignitaries, actors and musical artists that includes: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); Oscar, Golden Globe and multiple Grammy award-winning music legend and humanitarian Lionel Richie, country music artist Brad Paisley; Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress Blythe Danner; acclaimed actors Dennis Haysbert and A.J. Cook; classical crossover artist Katherine Jenkins; three-time Tony-nominated Broadway star Kelli O’Hara; and Grammy-winning gospel/adult contemporary superstar Yolanda Adams in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

Vietnam Veterans War Memorial

Today we joined others in laying silk roses at the Vietnam War Memorial. It was staggering to see all the names etched of those who died for my freedom.

Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have.
Memorial Day is a day we pause to give thanks for the people who fought for the things we have.

Mad Hatters

Tiffany is one of my co workers and in the evenings works as hostess at the Mad Hatters. Some of us went out after work tonight for appetizers. Picutred: Sugee, Meredith, Tiffany, Stacy, myself and Wonmin. I work with a great group of people. Thanks Tiffany for a fun evening after work!

Twilight Tattoo

Twilight Tattoo is an hour-long military pageant featuring Soldiers from The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own."

Some of the interns had a wonderful evening attending Twilight Tatoo. Visit website for details of Twilight Tattoo.

http://twilight.mdw.army.mil/

Congressman Schock

Met with Congressman Aaron Schock in his DC office. The Cannon Building is beautiful and stately and Aaron's office was very impressive.

Poolside luau at Ft. Myer

The Commission attended a poolside luau at Ft. Myer Army base Friday after work. We were welcomed with colorful lei's and 'Aloha!'

Col. Coffmeyer was our host for the pig roast and hawaiian entertainment. Fabulous spread!

Day 2 Capitol Building

Second day on the job, we toured the Capitol Building. It was my second time there but always awe-inspiring.

Arlington National Cemetery

First day at the Commission, we attended a commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery honoring fallen soldiers. One family was present along with a chaplain who conducted the ceremony, a bugler who played Taps, and a sailor who laid the wreath.

The Metro

Greg came in to DC with me Mon. thru Thursday to help me navigate the commute. While I was at work, he visited various sites and museums then we traveled home together.

He walked about 40 miles in all during those days but he was happy as a clam seeing the sight and sounds of D.C.

White House Commission on Remembrance

I am working this summer at The White House Commission on Remembrance which is located one block from The White House. The work environment is fast-paced and I enjoy my co-workers.

The commute to work is one hour each way and a typical day consists of the following: 6:30 a.m.--arise and prepare for the day, drive to metro station, park, hop a train, read my blackberry during the ride, walk a few blocks to office (3/4 mi. round trip each day--great exercise!), work 9-5, walk to metro station......arrive home a little after 6p.m. Eat dinner, catch up on work e mails from Peoria office, fall asleep on the couch.........go to bed to start the next day all over again.

I love it!

Quantico

Greg and I were the guests of Col. Rich Anderson, USMC at the Edson's Raiders banquet. The evening marked the 62nd reunion of these Marines. It was an honor to participate in celebrating these men and to be in their presence. They had fought for my freedom before I was born.

We were seated at a reserved table in front of the head table with Col. Anderson, the bagpiper Kevin, one of the Edson Marines and his family, and a Lt. Col. Food was delicious.

God bless those Marines!