So, went for a ride downtown today. It was a beautiful fall day in DC, the leaves are at peak color, and being a USG employee I was off for the day. I stopped by an incredibly high-quality coffee shop, Swing's Coffee, who roast and prep coffee and do a fine job. Afterward I spun down to the National Mall, and the place was just crowded with vets. I went by the WWII and Vietnam Memorials, and there were guys of all ages wearing unit jackets and patches signifying their service. I've only been back from Iraq for a few months, and seeing all those vets from wars that left so many dead or injured, it really affected me deeply. I watched and then read a couple of books that were used to make the HBO series "The Pacific" last year, and being in the presence of some of those old-timers was pretty special.

I couldn't imagine a better place to spend Veteran's Day, except maybe as BG suggested volunteering at a VA hosp.

Anyway, here's a few shots from the ride:

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This was a shot of the flag at the Vietnam Memorial

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Shot through some of the WWII Memorial

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Shot at the base of the Vietnam Memorial flag pole of the USMC seal