Favorite, most memorable place to visit while in Washington DC?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:11:22 -0400

I just returned from a trip to Washington DC for the Colorado Capital Conference. I had the privilege to meet numerous members of Congress, speak with Justice Ginsburg, and visit several historic places in the Capital. I've also been to Washington DC several times with Honor Flights. My favorite places so far include the Rotunda (even under construction), the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Marine Corps Barracks Evening Parade. I can't wait to share these amazing and historic places with my son. What is your favorite? Is there something most people miss that is a must see?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 7 at 2015 9:25 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:25:08 -0400

DC has so much to see. I've lived in Northern VA for the last 15+ years and still haven't seen everything.

Between the Smithsonians, the Service Memorials, Arlington, Marine Corps Museum, it would take me another decade to do everything...

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jun 7 at 2015 9:58 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 21:58:38 -0400

For me, PO1 Private RallyPoint Member, there are two ongoing ceremonies, in this order:

1. The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns, Arlington National Cemetery. I've attended this event more times than I can count, which I'm sure, is the same for many others on this forum.
2. The Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks (8th and I). The Evening Parade features "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, "The Commandant's Own" The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, the Marine Corps Color Guard, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Ceremonial Marchers, and LCpl Chesty XIII, the official mascot of Marine Barracks Washington. I attended the Evening Parade once on 9MAY97. Now deceased Senator Strom Thurmond, then Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was the Guest of Honor. This is simply one of the most magnificent displays of military ceremony anywhere, and to me, is surpassed only by the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Jun 7 at 2015 10:01 PM

SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 22:01:02 -0400

Smithsonian Museum

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jun 7 at 2015 10:03 PM

LCpl Mark Lefler — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 22:03:02 -0400

Marine Memorial.

Response by MSgt Aaron Brite made Jun 7 at 2015 10:31 PM

MSgt Aaron Brite — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 22:31:33 -0400

Air and Space Museum, Alington and a crazy little museum that displays the gifts received by presisents over the years.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2015 11:41 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:41:21 -0400

I've been to DC multiple times. I lived near there. Probably the 8th and I. Sunset parade. But I also liked the monuments along the marathon for the marine corps

Response by LT Jessica Kellogg made Jun 7 at 2015 11:55 PM

LT Jessica Kellogg — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 23:55:06 -0400

The Sundown Parade was incredible. (I should see if there's a good time this summer to go again since my husband hasn't seen it)
I always make a stop at Arlington.
The first time I was in DC I did one of the monuments by night tours. That was really neat; they really are beautiful at night.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jun 8 at 2015 12:16 AM

TSgt David L. — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 00:16:58 -0400

DC is full (of it! LMAO) of notable sights and I still have yet to see everything. All the Smithsonian Museums along the Mall, The White House, National Spy Museum, Native American Museum, the Vietnam, Korea and WWII Memorials, The Service museums, and the list goes on and on.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 1:03 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 01:03:44 -0400

The National Archives.
The Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Constitution, and several other fascinating pieces of our history are there.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jun 8 at 2015 2:32 AM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 02:32:49 -0400

Tomb the Unknown Soldier.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jun 8 at 2015 5:55 AM

SGM Steve Wettstein — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 05:55:27 -0400

Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jun 8 at 2015 7:54 AM

CMC Robert Young — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 07:54:16 -0400

The most awe inspiring thing during my last trip was the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown. Truly a place and a time to reflect on what freedon really cost....

Response by LCpl Craig D. Pfautz made Jun 8 at 2015 9:56 AM

LCpl Craig D. Pfautz — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 09:56:26 -0400

MARINE BARRACKS, EVENING PARADE IS OUTSTANDING...

Response by SPC Candace Leach made Jun 8 at 2015 10:19 AM

SPC Candace Leach — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:19:36 -0400

I'm originally from DC and my favorite places to go are Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Marine Corps Museum, National Air and Space Museum. Have too many places but definitely checkout the museums there.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Jun 8 at 2015 10:32 AM

LTC Ed Ross — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:32:30 -0400

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II memorial. All are in close proximity to each other.

Response by GySgt George Vukovich made Jun 8 at 2015 10:43 AM

GySgt George Vukovich — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 10:43:58 -0400

8th & I is great and so are a few other places. BUT, my favorite place in D.C. is the rear view mirror when I'm leaving! No kidding!

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made Jun 8 at 2015 4:16 PM

SGT Lawrence Corser — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:16:50 -0400

The war memorials and Arlington

Response by LCpl Mitchel Dennis made Jun 10 at 2015 7:11 PM

LCpl Mitchel Dennis — Wed, 10 Jun 2015 19:11:32 -0400

My house... I live here