My nation's capital: Washington, D.C.

At the beginning of May I decided to go to Washington, D.C. for a few days.  I had never been there, adn I had always wanted to see our nation's capital. 

The first thing I noticed was how small the city felt.  I’m from Chicago, which is a big city with huge buildings.  When I saw all of the small buildings in the capital, I was shocked.  The tallest ‘building’ in the city is the ‘Washington Monument.’  There is a rule that no other building can be taller than it, so all the other buildings are very squat. 

 (Washington D.C. skyline)

(Chicago skyline)

 

 

Besides the buildings, I really loved D.C.  It was exciting to see the White House and the monuments that honored the past presidents and other leaders of my country.  I wanted to take a tour of the White House, but the free tours are not available right now because the government is trying to save money. 

(White House)

 

 (Washington Monument)

 

Two of the monuments that I really liked were the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.  I became a little emotional at each of them because they were both such great men and inspired our country to change for the better.  Lincoln was the president during the U.S. Civil War.  That was a war between the northern and southern parts of the country.  He was able to lead the fight in the war and reunite the country.  He also abolished (ended completely) slavery. 

Another great leader was Martin Luther King, Jr.  He was not the president, and he’s the only non-president who has a monument in D.C.  He was a leader for civil rights and equality in our country.  He led a great movement in the 1960s and helped to change the laws and attitudes around the country.  Because of him, our country is now fairer and safer for everyone than it was in the past. 

 

Have you ever visited the capital of your country?  If so, what were your favorite parts?  Why?

If you haven’t, explain what makes you proud of your country.