Ironically, during part of the time we were in the briefing and enjoying lunch, we didn’t know that a small airplane was flying into restricted air space in DC. Our hotel is located two blocks north of the White House, and we didn’t know about it until we turned on cell phones at the break and had to call home to assure family that we were okay. We rushed to our rooms to watch the events – after the fact!

Then it was off by bus to the Women in Military Service Memorial at the main gate of Arlington National Cemetery. Retired General Wilma Vaught spoke about the history of women in military service; because classmate Mary serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve, we had a special time during the visit to this memorial. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, I grew up knowing the sacrifice of military service and visit Arlington with great respect. This year, together with displays about how service women have sacrificed, on display were portraits of the “Faces of the Fallen” which pays tribute to our military killed in action from the beginning of the war in Afghanistan. Two of us found special ones for young men from ‘back home’ and placed small flags beside their portraits as our tribute.

Then onto the bus to the Cannon House Office Building where State Chairman Jim Kittle hosted a reception for our class. We were actually in the Veterans Affairs Hearing Room, and along with many state party staff we were honored to have several of our Indiana-elected United States Congressmen and other dignitaries attend.

During the free time that evening, several of us set out from the hotel to find the nearest Metro station, then off to the Mall area. Being directionally challenged we walked more than necessary but found a wonderful restaurant to have a late dinner (and check the Pacers score).