YTB Travel Chronicles

In 1967, with much encouragement and help from my Parents and from my High School French teacher, I traveled to Europe for a summer study tour, sponsored by the Foreign Language League.  The majority of time was spent studying French language, Culture, and Civilization in Caen, Normandy.  During the tour, we learned about and visited many wondrous places in Normandy and, notably, the Capital Cities, London, Paris, and Brussels.

Needless-to-say, those experiences inspired me (a 16-year-old boy at the time) to become a lifetime travel enthusiast!  Over the ensuing years since 1967, I have been most fortunate to be able to enjoy many excellent travels; and, hope to recount my stories in the weeks ahead, for your enjoyment.

Several years ago, it became vividly conspicuous, that, in all my travels, I had yet to visit my own nation’s Capital!  Unlike the majority of school children from around the USA, indeed, the world, I had never been to Washington D.C.!  So it was, after many previously unsuccessful attempts, that my wife, Jean, and I drove into Washington D.C on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2007. 

We quickly drove to our hotel near the U.S. Capital Building, checked in, and headed out, on foot, to the Mall to begin our tour of the city.  Although we arrived too late to experience the official ceremonies of the day, we found that the spirit of the occasion was still tangible throughout the afternoon and evening.

Honoring the Memorial Day Holiday, we walked the full length of the Mall to the area of the War Memorials, near the Lincoln Memorial.  Each of the War Memorials was truly powerful and remarkable.  However, perhaps because I served in the US Army during the Viet Nam Era, “The Wall” held the most significance for me.  Hundreds of mementos covered the walkway.  They ranged from actual Military Medals left by the fallen soldiers’ families, to flowers, photos, news clippings, and hand written messages.  Near the Memorial, on park benches and lawns, Viet Nam War Veterans sat weeping the tears of 30 years’ restrained grief and remembrance.  No one disturbed those wonderful men and women.

Our remaining days in Washington D.C. were filled with many special opportunities and events, but the Memorial-Day visit to My Nation’s Capital will forever be one that inspires me to deep emotion and powerful memories.  At Last, at age 57, I learned the power and splendor of the Capital of the United States of America, WASHINGTON DC!

Gary Mousseau lives in Sarasota, Florida with his wife of 37 years, Jean.  Gary recently left his 26-year career as a Registered Nurse to pursue his passion as a Home-Based Internet Entrepreneur in the Travel Business.  For further information, please visit: www.MousseauTravel.biz   Phone: (941) 957-0008  E-mail:  MousseauTravel@aol.com