I WENT DOWN TO THE MONUMENTS . . .

. . . I thought I was going to take part in a political event, my first ever. When I got there I realized it wasn't about politics it was about respect to the Honored War Dead. In America we have a saying "Politics stops at the water's edge." This sentiment continues to our Fallen, of course. Let us take note who it is who always makes politics of the overseas security situation, and who has continually made politics of flag draped coffins and war memorials, right up to this week. - S.L.

I was so excited when I got to the World War II Memorial. The first Vet I encountered had a CIA baseball hat; I was wearing my Special Forces baseball hat. I said, "CIA! Alright!" He said, "SF! Alright!" and we shook hands. The spirit of Wild Bill Donovan was hovering overhead, no doubt.

Crossing against the light - Fight the Tyranny!

I am from the Pacific so I always enter the Memorial from the Pacific gate.

An opening prayer honoring WWII War Dead.

Old Glory and the US Army colors at the World War II Memorial with the Lincoln Memorial in background. Take notice: there are no people on upper steps of the Lincoln Monument.

My favorite panel at the World War II Memorial: US Paratroopers over Normandy.

Things were hot at the Lincoln Memorial - these photos do not convey the tension of the standoff. The cops & Navy EOD displayed ultimate professionalism as a handful of rabble rousers hurled insults at them and attempted to work up the crowd.

I held back - in this struggle my role is not to be an activist; I am a secret agent - but I could have started a revolution today if I wanted to.

Over at the Vietnam Memorial - adjacent to the Lincoln Memorial - no barricades, just a couple of chick Park Rangers - and the crowds were respectful, quiet.

I always pay respect at the Korean War Memorial - chilling, almost depressing - somehow apropos for the Forgotten War.

"We remember you forever. With people of the Republic of Korea" - possibly our greatest allies in the world; right up there with the British, the Canadians and the Australians.

The World War I Memorial - "War to End All Wars" - dedicated Armistice Day (November 11th) 1931 - they had no idea World War II was 10 years away.

Tearing down the barricades at the World War II Memorial.

These people are rabble rousers - I distanced myself from them and watched the cops and the security overwatch. The cops broke contact - their instructions were clearly to avoid any kind of confrontation.

The Washington Monument with scaffolding - as an engineer I can tell you the only way to repair it properly is take it apart & rebuild it.

Now the Million March Truckers are all honking their horns like a herd of thundering elephants.

The General Ulysses S. Grant Memorial - possibly America's greatest General when you look at what he achieved, and his sublime humility - the first thing that came to my mind was: 'I wonder what a Confederate victory monument would've looked like?'

They don't make monuments like this anymore - I shudder to think what the GWOT memorial will (someday) look like.

My tour concluded - appropriately enough - at the Houses of High Mischief and Malfeasance.

"Government isn't the solution, government is the problem" - Ronald Reagan

I went to the Monuments today to respect the War Dead . . . they can no longer speak and so we speak for them . . .

STORMBRINGER SENDS