Day 2

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! We started the day with Colonel Smart at the Pentagon. It was fascinating to learn food security and the development of a world strategic plan with the Department of Defense. As we headed toward Congressman Nunes' office, we were surrounded by blooming cherry trees and a temperature of 75 degrees. Gorgeous, unless you have allergies!


Our Capitol tour was re-scheduled due to an unexpected visit of the President to the Capitol and we quickly learned how the streets can be shut down when the President is in the area. After a meeting with Congressman Nunes we then headed to the office of The Honorable Justice Breyer at the Supreme Court. We were impressed with his passion and love for the constitution. He pulled up a chair and commenced a candid conversation, something that reminded us of generations past and fireside chats with leaders such as Franklin D. Roosevelt. We met with Sentaor Feinstein's office to discuss ag policies, as well as the Senate Ag Committee Chairwoman Stabenow's Chief of Staff, Amanda Renteria. We grabbed a quick-to-go dinner and jumped on the bus for a Moonlight Monument Tour. After 15 hours and many miles of walking and metro riding, we have nothing but gratitude for all of the warriors that have fought for our freedom and led us here today.

Brenda Farias, Justin Micheli, and Rachelle Antinetti
added posting:
We experienced an incredible moment at the Vietnam Memorial Wall.  Observed a Park Ranger opening a box at the base of the wall.  Inside he found a folder with some printed information on a young man whose name must have been just above on the wall.  He took the time to read the entire folder and restore it back to the folder. After, I watched the ranger lift an early 1960's type framed photo of a 6-7 year old boy with a brush cut blond head.  Next to the photo was a kids baseball glove from the same period.  It was striking to think that these were of this man on the wall and the idea that his mother or father, now in their approximate 80's had come here to let go of their 7 year old son.  The reverence by the park service was uplifting and the entire moment brought me to tears.