Visiting DC

The children were really excited to start school. Each day one of them would happily announce how many days remained until that first day came.

Georg was no different than his children; he looked forward to his day at the navy building in DC. He had discovered he did have things to share with the leaders of the Navy.

The children passed the time by playing at the playground almost every day. Rain kept them home two days. They read their library books or played table games like Checkers, Chess or the card game, Slap Jack. And Georg arrived home at about the same time each day.

Finally it was Friday. After dinner Georg told everyone his plans for Saturday. "How would like to go to DC tomorrow?"

"Yes Dad, then we could see all the things you told us about." Friedrich said for everyone.

"Okay, we'll need to take a bus there. Paul told me one stops on the corner by our house. We'll leave after the breakfast dishes are washed and put away."

"Daddy, Gretl and me met one of our classmates."

"That's wonderful, girls."

"Dad, all of us met at least one person who would be in our class. Now we are really looking forward to school beginning."

"You know that makes me very proud. We're going to have a busy day tomorrow. You should go get ready for bed. Marta and Gretl are already yawning."

No one complained. Franz and the men closed up the house. And Georg and Maria talked together.

"Georg, I was really surprised the girls weren't one bit shy about meeting their classmates. They are Paul's children; his wife spoke to me. Her name is Maryann. She had read about our escape. I explained how it happened. She then asked how I met you.

"I told her my story. And I told her we were married on the ship and now want to ask Father Mike to bless our marriage. Something we should do on Sunday."

"Yes we should. And now it's our time."

"My most favorite time of the day; love me darling."

"My pleasure, Maria."

Sleep came quickly to the couple and in the morning they were awakened by well-rested children eager to go to Washington DC.

"They're excited Georg. I'll dress first and take them downstairs."

"I take it you are all eager to go to DC."

"Yes Mom, all our bed linens have been straightened too."

"Let's go down. Maybe Katia has your juice ready."

They found she did and Maria had a cup of coffee. Soon everyone was there. The blessing was said and they ate breakfast. No one carried on a conversation. All of them were eager to see DC.

Soon it was time for them to leave; the bus to DC was on time. Georg had told them.

"The bus will take longer to travel to DC because it will make several stops. I don't expect many other passengers to get onboard this early on a Saturday morning."

Even with the stops the bus arrived in DC in about forty minutes. The family left the bus at the first stop; directly in front of them was a huge building.

Georg had been told about the buildings they would see today. "Everyone, this structure is in remembrance of a man who was President during a war which was fought between the States in the north and those in south. Details don't matter; war is always terrible.

"The words, which are inscribed on its walls, are an address President Lincoln gave on a battlefield after the war was over. I doubt he had any idea the address he gave would be remembered and probably it never occurred to him such a beautiful monument would be built to honor him.

They went up the steps to enter the building; immediately they saw the gigantic statute of Lincoln sitting in a huge chair. They stood in silence as they glared at it.

"Dad, the statue looks so real." Everyone agreed with Friedrich. They were also very quiet; it was almost like they were in a church. They quietly left.

Georg now told them about the tall structure they could see in the distance. "What you see in the distance is a monument to Georg Washington. He was the general who led the war which freed America from the British and also the first President of America. It has an elevator which takes people to a viewing area in the very top of the monument."

"Can we go up there?"

"We sure can. It's not a long walk."

A guard greeted them. "The elevator is on its way down. As soon as the passengers are off, you can get in the elevator. It's not a fast elevator; it takes about two minutes to reach the top. There you can get out and look out all the windows."

"Dad, this sounds exciting."

"I'm not so sure Kurt."

Maria agreed with Gretl but didn't tell her; instead it was. "Gretl, you can hold my hand."

Gretl took a firm hold of Maria's hand but started to relax as the elevator slowly moved up to the top. Kurt and Louisa were the first to exit.

"I can't believe how far we can see. Dad, do you know what that building is which looks like a castle?" Louisa asked.

"I was told it's both a museum and an administration building. Gretl let me hold you so you can see it."

"Marta, I'll hold you." Franz said as he picked her up.

"It really does look like a castle. Can we go inside it?"

"We can."

The group hurried from the elevator and walked quickly to this building. Georg found the entry door and Franz held it opened for everyone. They entered a large room with paintings on one wall, multiple display cabinets and bookcases filled with books.

There was also a sign pointing a children's room. Brigitta read and exclaimed. "Dad, can we visit this room."

"Of course we can. Follow me everyone."

Shortly, they were standing in front of this room with the words, Knowledge Begins in Wonder, in bold letters above the door. And Brigitta who was closest to the door exclaimed.

"This room really is for children. Marta and Gretl all the displays cases are at you height."

Maria let loose of their hands so they could go inside with Brigitta. All of them looked in the display cases and were amazed at things they saw. On display were all kinds of birds and fish. A fish tank in the center of the room held live fish.

They heard the chirping of live birds in a cage hanging from the ceiling. And Maria commented about the ceiling.

"Look at the ceiling children. It's beautiful."

They saw an ornate, leafy trellis opening up to a clear, blue sky, peppered with colorful birds painted on it.

Mom and dad heard wonderful comments from all the children and even the other adults. The morning had passed. Georg was sure Kurt would soon tell him he was hungry.

"Let's walk back to where we started. There's a hotel nearby with a wonderful place to eat lunch. Then we can tour the White House, the President's home."

"We can really go inside, Dad?"

"Yes, we can."