The Temple Of The Union...

The whirlwind now takes me to the Lincoln Memorial - a temple dedicated to the preserver of the union that exists today as the United States, a union that Abraham Lincoln fought to cement...

The whole National Mall is so full of symbolism - at the far end lies the Capitol - a temple of democracy, in the middle lies a monument dedicated to creator of the union, George Washington and here I am across the reflecting pool at the memorial dedicated to preserver...

Built on mudflats, the foundation of the monument is rather deep - 20 metres deep supported by concrete columns...

The magnificence of the National Mall is indeed indescribable...

And I am frequently distracted by planes on their approach to DCA - this time an American Airlines Boeing 737...

It is indeed an imposing monument, dedicated to the greatness of Abe...

The sculpture clearly depicts the steely resolve that Abraham Lincoln had to prevent the Confederates from breaking away and bringing peace after the Civil War...

The clenched fist is symbolic of Lincoln's resolve...

Extracts from Lincoln's inauguration address and his famous speech at Gettysburg...

And I head back...

Another distraction - a Delta Airlines MD88...

And now I head towards the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Korean War Veterans Memorial...