Black and White Puppy

I don’t remember when Cooper met this little puppy…

But I do know it was in DC somewhere.  

They were very interested in each other.

What a nice treat for Cooper.

The Second Flag Of Iwo Jima

This display is the actual second flag from Iwo Jima.  They have it in this case and ask that no one use a flash with their camera so as not to cause the flag to break down any faster.

This picture of the flag being placed was right near the display.

Cooper poses just for me.  I have the best memories and he’s in most of them from my last 10 years.

DC Traps In Vietnam

In Vietnam there were sometimes some horrible traps that were meant to make it so soldiers couldn’t walk any more.

They were holes in the ground filled with sharp sticks made to point straight up so then covered by debris so no one could see them.

When a soldier stepped into the hole those sticks would stab through the foot and make it so he couldn’t walk well if at all.

It’s a terrible fact that was very real in the lives of our Vietnam Veterans who had to fight there.

Marine Museum - Dogs of War

In the Marine Museum there was a display showing the dogs of war.

This was something that really made Cooper look.

He recognized that this was a dog but oddly different.

It’s weird how Cooper tries to make sense of what he sees.  

The lesson humans get is that dogs are valuable is so many ways… Cooper just sees it as a toy or fake dog looking thing.

Providing Service To Bob

Our friend Bob was one of the people who needed a wheel chair during out tour through the Marine Museum in DC.

Bob is a Vietnam Veteran, and I had the sole honor of pushing him in his chair through the whole museum.

We saw so many things… and Bob was like a tour guide to me.

He educated me on so many things I saw while we were there.  He told me so many things I didn't know.  He's a wonderful teacher.

He also nicknamed Cooper “Sergeant Cooper”.  ‘Sarge’.  

Soon Bob will will present Cooper with Sergeant Stripes for his vest.  Cooper will wear them for ever in honor of this day and our friendship with Bob.  

I can’t wait till the presentation!  I'll get pictures and post it for you all to see.

Custom Bike In The Marine Museum

There was a really cool custom motorcycle in the main area of the Marine Museum.

It was roped off so no one could get to it.

I didn’t take these pictures, I was busy making Cooper pose.

I kind of wish we got some good pictures of the bike too.

It was painted and decorated with a Marine theme.  BEAUTIFUL!!!

Marine Museum in DC

It just feels good to be with my patriotic friends, doing patriotic things…

… with my always willing and happy dog.  Life is meaningful, it’s nice to find out why.

Wheel Chair Treat

We visited the Marine Museum in DC while we were there.

We had two veterans with us who needed wheel chairs because it was too much walking for them.

When we got one of the wheelchairs out of the car, Cooper got excited.  

You know he loves to ride ANYTHING with wheels.  To him this was a real treat!

Changing Of The Guard in Arlington Cemetery

This is the second time we have seen the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery in DC.

It is always a very serious place to visit where you are expected to “remain silent and standing”, according to the guard who announces the ceremony before it begins.

Cooper is amazingly well behaved.  He gets the sense of seriousness and complies without issue.

I don’t know where he learned it but is seems that he reads the situation very well.

I’m always so impressed by him.  He’s amazing!

The Vietnam Wall in DC

The Vietnam Wall in DC is a solemn place to visit, especially when you are accompanied by a veteran who served in Vietnam.

Also, to walk along that wall with panel after panel of names of the soldiers who lost their lives, is beyond comprehension.

Of course Cooper has NO IDEA what we were experiencing, but to me there is no surprise that he too was quiet and unexcitable.  

He was social, but not particularly ‘waggy’.

DC Lincoln Memorial

This post could read the exact same way as yesterdays.

We have visited this area twice so far but next time I would like to go back and see these memorials closer.

We are true patriots who want to experience it all and learn about our history.

Washington Memorial

You see the Washington Memorial on movies all the time, or in books, or in vacation pictures your friends show you.

But then you get to see it in person and it changes everything.

Now when I see movies taken in this area I recognize it, and remember where all the things are that we saw on this trip.

I feel so patriotic having been there twice now and I really would love to go back and get a closer look at the memorial.

Next time…

A Good Place To Pose For Mama

I don’t remember what this statue was of but what a beautiful area with the Vietnam Wall behind him.

Cooper is so good at just posing for me… no questions asked.

He’s such a good boy.

WWII Memorial - Our Group

Of course you know that every place we went we had to take group pictures.

We had to take many in a row in order to try to get everyone looking and smiling…

How about this photo bomb!

… without blinking or talking.

Not as easy as you think.