Veterans Day Observances 2010

photo by M.V. JantzenThere's perhaps no better place to celebrate Veterans's Day and to remember those who served than Washington, DC. We're chock full of Memorials to various wars, branches of service, units, military notables, and so on.

Tomorrow will be the ground breaking of a new memorial in the nation's capital: the Disabled Veterans' Disabled for Life Memorial. Actor Gary Sinise, who played a disabled veterans in Forest Gump and who is deeply involved in veteran's causes, will headline the ceremony, which starts at 10:30 tomorrow. The Memorial will be near the Botanic Gardens, on the corner of 2nd St and Washington Ave SW. Nearest Metro is Federal Center SW.

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Weekly Washington: Craziest Weekend Ever!

photo uploaded to flickr by marabuchiThat's right folks. This may be the craziest weekend I can remember here in DC. Halloween is already my favorite time of year in Washington, and then we have the Rally for Fear/Sanity thrown in. It's going to be a busy one.

I thought about writing up a Rally Guide, but what's the point? Nine gagillion already exist and I have little to add. And if the mobs are too much, check out our Fear and Sanity sights throughout the rest of DC. (TBD)

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Fear: An American Tradition Since 1692

photo by Maria CareyFear has been part of American culture for over 300 years by now, so it is hardly surprising that Stephen Colbert picked 'Fear' as a guiding principle for his rally on October 30. Colbert understands what Americans want, and he is giving it to them. But what if the fear on display on the Mall that day isn't enough for you? What if you want to wallow more intensely in this all-American pastime? Where can you go to learn more about the history of fear in our nation's Capital? Fear not, we have a list for you.

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Weekly Washington: Truthiness Restored!

photo uploaded to flickr by Ethan.KStephen Colbert and John Stewart announced last night that they will hold competing rallies on October 30th on the National Mall. You may recall that I asked my Congresswoman about this very topic this weekend. John Stewart is asking everyone to bring their indoor voices to his Rally to Restore Sanity in the shadow of the Washington Monument, while Stephen Colbert will March to Keep Fear Alive, thereby protecting Liberty and Freedom. I'll be honest, I don't make it many rallies (even one's I agree with). I'll probably be breaking that tradition this October, assuming the National Park Service manages to be more effective than the DMV. (TBD)

The whole Tour Guide license thing being unconstitutional thing keeps plugging along. Matthew Yglesias has a great discussion of it on his blog, from a Libertarian perspective. Channel 7 ran a story on it last night, although they incorrectly the test is "new" (it's been around for decades). And my original post has now been cross posted to Greater Greater Washington.

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Fall Festival Season is Upon Us!

I was all set up to write just about the same post, when I stumbled across this one by Jon Penndorf at The Hill is Home. So, without further ado, here's Jon's excellent write up of things to do this Fall in DC, courtesy of, and shamelesssly stolen from, The Hill is Home.

photo uploaded to flickr by ohad*The promise of cooler autumn temperatures and slightly less humidity means the good people of DC want to be outside meeting their neighbors and sampling deep-fried foods that may or may not be served on a stick.  That’s right — it’s street festival season in Washington DC!  There are lots of special neighborhood and cultural events scheduled for the coming weeks.  Here’s a smattering of places you can stretch your legs on streets closed to cars, sample unusual and delightful foods, hear live music, and maybe even find a few live animals to admire.

This weekend the grand opening of the Yards Park is sure to entertain.  The park is located at 3rd and Water Streets SE, not far from Nationals Park.  Events are planned for the entire weekend, including performances by the Trapeze School of New York.  More information can be found at http://www.capitolriverfront.org/.

Also this weekend the annual Black Family Reunion Celebration will be held on the National Mall from noon to 8:00 pm both Saturday and Sunday.  Education pavilions, artisans, food, and music are all scheduled.  Find out more at http://www.ncnw.org/.

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