In the heart of the nation's capital, stands one of the city's most beautiful monuments. It's been called a marvel of architecture, a wonder in stone, the spirit of the Scottish Rite captured for a moment in time.
The House of the Temple is a Masonic temple which serves as the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. It is located at the corner of 16th Street and S Street in the northwest section of the city. The Temple was modeled after the Mausoleum of Maussollos (a provincial king in the Persian Empire). Ground was broken on May 31, 1911 and the cornerstone was laid on October 18, 1911. The building was dedicated four years later on October 18, 1915. An alcove in the temple holds the remains of Confederate general and noted freemason Albert Pike.
The gift of flowers honors the beauty and the brevity of life and evoke memories of other days. President Bush paid tribute at a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to members of America's military who died in combat. The President placed a beautiful red, white, and blue wreath in front of the tomb of unknowns.
In this place where valor sleeps, we acknowledge our responsibility as Americans to preserve the memory of the fallen. On this Memorial Day, we look out on quiet hills, and rows of white headstones -- and we know that we are in the presence of greatness. The markers here record the names of more than 296,000 men and women. Each of the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines buried here answered the call to serve, and stepped forward to protect the nation they loved. George W. Bush, May 29, 2006
America’s “First Mom” Hosts Mother’s Day at the Mount Vernon Estate Busy mothers might want to turn to Martha Washington to see how America’s “First Mom” enjoyed mothering – her children and her country. Join other families at the Mount Vernon Estate for a Mother's Day brunch buffet Reservations are required so please call (703) 780-0011 Hours for the buffet are 11:30 am -5:45 pm. Come and enjoy!
This gallery monitors the bloomming period of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. The planting of cherry trees originated in 1912 as a gift of friendship to the United States from the people of Japan. In Japan the flowering cherry tree or "Sakura," as it is called by the Japanese people, is one of the most exalted flowering plants. The beauty of the cherry blossom is a potent symbol equated with evanescence of human life and epitomizes the transformations Japanese Culture has undergone through the ages. The date when the Yoshino cherry blossoms reach peak bloom varies from year to year, depending on weather conditions.
The annual tradition of the White House Easter Egg Roll for 2003 honored
active duty and reserve military service members and their families. Families from all military branches will join Lynne Cheney, wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, for a day of activities on the White House South Lawn designed for children and their families.
Special thanks to Lynden Steele, Jennifer Smith, David Bohrer, Susan Sterner, Allen Abney for sending these wonderful photos.
Cherry Blossom Festival (Sakura)
For 91 years, people from all over the world have gathered in Washington to welcome the arrival of spring and to share the special season with each other. The splendid cherry trees, the focal point of the Festival, are constant reminders of the strong and enduring friendship between the United States and Japan.
Laura Bush
Every year a 350-year-old stone lantern is lit in the Thomas Jefferson Tidal Basin. This formal ceremony commemorates the 1912 gift to Washington D.C. of 3000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to enhance the growing friendship between the United States and Japan. The event includes traditional Japanese performers, Washington dignitaries and the 70 Cherry Blossom princesses representing states, territories, and embassies. The lighting ceremony is held at the site of the first two cherry trees planted by Mrs. William Howard Taft and Viscountess Chinda in 1912. The Lantern ceremony is don't miss! Special thanks to Mark Rhoads of the National Conference of State Societies for his help with this gallery.
Location : Tidal Basin at Independence Ave. and 17 th St., SW.
Cherry Blossoms: Kenwood, Maryland
Kenwood, a Bethesda neighborhood between Little Falls Parkway and River Road in Montgomery County, Maryland has 1,200 white, pink, and dark - pink blossomed Yoshino cherry trees lining the streets. It is spectacular, natural beauty.
Paddle Boating on the Tidal Basin
View the Jefferson Memorial and Japanese Cherry Trees from the water. Enjoy a family outing or take a break from touring and soak up some sun in your very own Tidal Basin Paddle Boat.
Take Metro to the Smithsonian Station (Blue/Orange lines) and use the 12th Street & Independence Ave.exit. Walk west on Independence toward 15th Street. Directions: Turn left on Raoul Wallenberg Place (15th Street) and continue toward the Jefferson Memorial and look for the Tidal Basin Paddle Boat dock. Rent a paddle boat for $8.00 per hour - 2 passenger boat; $16.00 per hour - 4 passenger boat. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
With the chill of late November comes America's favorite holiday spectacular; the official kick off to the holiday season - the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. America's Parade stepped off on Thursday, November 24th at 9:00 AM with over 10,000 Macy's employees, volunteers, marching bands, clowns, balloons, floats and performers in tow. Over 2.5 million spectators lined the streets of New York City and more than 50 million viewers watched the celebration on television nationwide. Follow DCpages for an exclusive view of the magical moment when balloons and floats transform the streets of the Big Apple. All the children shout, "Let's Have A Parade!"