Rebecca Reilly
What has encapsulated the Washington Experience thus far?
By Rebecca Reilly
Summer 2014
I could not wait to put on my American Flag socks.
I like to joke that I only came to DC for the patriotic apparel—I’m only half kidding. I was waiting for the Fourth of July this year for what seemed like forever and it came and went just as I expected! Independence Day in Washington made it even more socially acceptable to don the American flag socks and bow tie.
On the 4th of July in DC, tourists storm the streets of Washington, flowing down the sidewalks en route to the National Mall. The nearby hurricane has shaken no spirits; YOU CANNOT STOP AMERICA.
The Fourth of July is the epitome of the Washington experience; the levels of American spirit on this day are through the roof. The National Mall is the ultimate stretch of spirit on this day with family, friends, and lovers scattered across the grass with their blankets and picnics, waving the miniature American flag they bought from a vender on the sidewalk. Laughter and music are the sounds heard through the day as we all await the glorious firework display.
The view from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
The BOOM is the best part. The actual sight is great too, but feeling ‘something’ to go along with that makes it even better. The sky behind the Washington Monument lights up with the most dazzling show; ‘USA’ and smiley faces are shot into the sky.
The crowd clears faster than I could have imagined it would, and we were all in a race to the Metro before the escalators were flooded. The Washington Monument lit up on the Fourth was a sight well worth that $60 Uber ride (this is what I tell myself, at least).
The National Mall is a stretch of land that can instill pride in any American. I do not think it is possible to walk from one end to the other and not feel emotional. Even the disinterested-in-history student that failed the AP U.S. exam (me) gains an appreciation and instant interest while in our Nation’s capital.
I prefer to start my mall walks at the Capitol, ending with the Lincoln Memorial, which is grander than any fifth grade textbook ever made it seem. And the amount of green space around would make anyone smile. Passing the Washington Monument is always an awe-inspiring moment, even though I should remember how tall it is by now, it’s still always a surprise. Usually taking a turn to swing by 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for a quick picture, I get back on track to visit the World War II memorial, which is even more spectacular at night. Strolling by the Reflecting Pool is a surreal experience, and even more so when you look out at it from the spot of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, imagining the throngs of people on that day. Turning around, you finally reach the majestic Honest Abe and the text of the Gettysburg Address and the Second Inaugural Address.
A view of the World War II memorial
Washington felt cold from a distance, but you feel the warmth immediately upon arrival. Touring the city is inspiring; it brings out the patriotism in us all – and not just on the 4th of July.
Rebecca Riley is an Economics-Psychology major interning at the American Psychological Association.
