After many years of effort, the long overdue monument to Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr is finally open to the public. There was a dedication ceremony that was scheduled for August 28th the anniversary of the famous “I have a dream” speech. Due to hurricane Irene that event was postponed until October 16 th which is the anniversary of the Million Man March 16 years ago tomorrow.
In order to beat the crowds that will overflow the memorial we decided to go a day early so we could really get a good look and feel of this place. I must say its very impressive. The mountain of dispair capped on either side with water falls and the sculpture of MLK,Jr looking larger then life was inspiring. Written on the walls are some of his most profound statements for his message for equal rights, peace and justice.
So many of us have opinions that we freely share on every form of social network that we feel gives us the best platform to be heard. So few of us have principles that we would give our lives for. No one is perfect, striving to be better then our perceived flaws, encouraging others to do the same. Being willing to hear the opinions of others without hatred just because its not the same as your own. Wanting prosperity for the masses not the just the few. Those are some of the lessons that he wanted us to learn and share with the world. He and many around him risked everything so that we could all have a chance for a better way of life. It’s for these reasons we should all be thankful for the progress made , but its our duty to keep his message of peace , love and equality for all man and women kind alive.
After we left the MLK,Jr memorial, we stopped by the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Mom wanted to so me the butterfly exhibit and the big spider. And I wanted to check out the gems and ocean exhibits. Our time spent here was very short because we arrived only a half an hour before closing. We see some nice stuff that we will explore fully on our next visit out that way. I should plan that for a Tuesday because the butterfly room is free that day. Memo to me for next time!
If you are heading out for the dedication tomorrow here is some useful info about the metro:
1) the one day pass is at $9.00 for adult fare and not the normal $3.50
2) Today we took the Smithsonian metro stop but it going to super crowded tomorrow so you can make the trip and walk from L’Efant or I Would get off at Federal triangle (blue line).
3) they are encouraging folks to bring chairs and blankets tomorrow but bike and coolers are not allowed on the trains or in the memorial park area. They will be filming for live tv any way and do you really want them to pan to you while you are wolfing down. Didn’t think so.
4) metro will be open at 5am to give some people willing to start early to avoid the crowds a chance to do so
Well that is all for this side trip. Enjoy the photos BNRR.
No espero nada, no tenfold miedo de nada, soy Libre! ~ Socrates
