Sincere Veterans Day Appreciation

With great respect, honor and gratitude,

we acknowledge your service to

provide and protect our freedom.

Thank you, United States Veterans!

Commemorating Veterans Day with Photos from Washington DC's World War II Memorial

With another Veteran's Day upon us, I honor those who have served our country 
with highlights from our visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington DC.

It's situated between the Washington Monument and, on the other 
end of the Reflecting Pool on the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial.

This depiction of an amphibious landing is one of 

24 bronze bas-relief sculptures lining the entrance to the memorial. 

A 43' pavilion on each end of the plaza represents the Pacific and Atlantic conflicts.

Inside each one is a bronze baldacchino (a ceremonial canopy) 

featuring four American eagles holding a laurel victory wreath.

Fifty-six granite pillars represent each state and territory of the United States.
They're arranged according to the order of entry into the Union.

The pillars are connected at their bases by 

bronze rope sculptures, symbolizing the country's unity.

Each 17' pillar is adorned with a bronze wreath of either oak leaves or wheat.

I appreciated the opportunity for deep contemplation and thoughts of gratitude 

to my father, my father-in-law, uncles, and fathers of friends who served in WWII.

The impressive Freedom Wall features 4,000 gold stars,

each representing 100 American service personnel,

honoring over 400,000 who died or remain missing in WWII.

Freedom isn't free. 

The Rainbow Pool with its beautiful fountains is the centerpiece of the Memorial.

To every US Veteran, we honor and respect what you did for our country.

Please know that your service is appreciated.

National WWII Memorial
17th Street Independence Ave. Southwest
Washington, District of Columbia 20037

Learn more here:
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National Park Service

While we're at it, a shot of the majestic Washington Monument.

Do you have family members who've served in WWII?
I'd love to hear about it in the Comments section below!

Art & Photographs Proclaiming "Votes for Women!"

For 72 years before the 19th Amendment was passed,

women in the United States fought to be given the right to vote.

Ladies, let's honor and respect their efforts by

never missing an opportunity to head out to the polls

on Election Day and cast our votes! 

Taryn Knight

The Breathtaking Scenic Overlook at West Virginia's Coopers Rock State Forest

Driving through West Virginia on my way to Ohio,

I passed a sign for Coopers Rock State Forest.

With a spur-of-the-moment decision, I exited the freeway

for what turned out to be phenomenal adventure!

Located just off of Interstate 68, it's 8 miles west of Bruceton Mills and 

13 miles east of Morgantown (home of the WVU Mountaineers.)

Popular for camping, rock climbing and hiking, the park is 12,713 acres in size.

The best part, though, is the magnificent overlook with its panoramic views!

Realizing you're standing on a huge sloped boulder high above 

the Cheat River Gorge is quite a thrill! It really is beyond compare!

Aren't these woodsy walkways fantastic?

Beginning in 1936, the Civilian Conservation Core (CCC) was responsible for 

building the bridge across to the main boulder overlook, 

as well as the rustic stone and wood railings,

which so naturally fit into the forest surroundings. 

And there you have it- what a view!

So, how did Coopers Rock get its name?

According to legend, a fugitive from the law made his hideout in the area.

He had been a cooper, so he continued making and selling barrels to support himself.

In the distance to the west is Morgantown, WV.

To the southeast is a great view of the Cheat River winding through the gorge.

Besides the fantastic scenery, I was totally in awe of the structure.

This picnic pavilion is one of 11 structures built by the CCC

that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

And how about this stone fireplace?

This engraved boulder pays homage to Robert Fechner,

director of the CCC from 1933 to 1939.

By the way, I'm proud to say that my dad worked with the CCC!

Here's where you can learn more about

Coopers Rock State Forest:

Website

West Virginia State Parks on Facebook

Have you been to Coopers Rock?

Let me know what you thought of it in the Comments below!

Lucy Levenson's Fabulous Fabric Folk Art Collages

I am totally in awe! The art of Lucy Levenson is amazing!

She designs lovely folk art collages using fabric and paper that's sewn and glued, 

then she paints details and adds finishing touches with stitches, beads and such.

Textile art with fascinating details and depth! 

Just feast your eyes on her marvelous works of art!

Lucy also makes fabrics for items such as aprons, tea towels,

or pillows like this adorable bride~

Keep up with Lucy here:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Images used with direct permission from Lucy Levenson.