The Wandering Disciple

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers are welcomed by one of the most iconic approaches in aviation, where sweeping views of the Potomac River and the monuments of Washington, D.C. unfold just beyond the runway. Located just minutes from downtown, the airport serves as a true gateway to the nation’s capital, offering a first glimpse of landmarks like the Washington Monument and the U.S. Capitol dome. With its blend of accessibility and unforgettable scenery, arriving at Reagan National feels less like a routine landing and more like an introduction to the history and significance of the United States.   Taken: February 16, 2009 at Reagan National Airport (Arlington, VA)

It isn't just the official start of summer filled with beaches, beer and BBQ's, it is a day to remember those who gave their lives so we can enjoy holiday's with our families. These brave men and woman laid down their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy as an American. So while you enjoy your holiday festivities, do not loose sight of the real meaning of Memorial Day. Thank you to those who paid the ultimate price to ensure our freedoms, we are forever grateful for your service.

Sitting high atop the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington House has a storied history.  Formally called the Custis-Lee Mansion, estate was built by George Washington Parke Custis began construction in 1801 and wasn't completely finished until 1818. It was built high above a peak just outside the nation's capital on what would later be known as Mount Washington. But the home is mostly widely known for its last resident, Confederate General Robert E Lee. Lee was a colonel in the US Army until the Civil War when he defected to his native Virginia and became the general for the Confederate Army. President Lincoln viewed this as being a traitor to his country so the US government seized the property and turned it into a national cemetery. Today the Arlington House still overlooks the Arlington National Cemetery from atop the peak and serves a memorial to Robert E Lee and his efforts to promote peace and reunion following the Civil War.  (Photo: Februar...

They say a mile of highway can take you a mile but a mile of runway can take you anywhere.  So beyond this window lies your access to the world.  Through this window sits an entire airfield of opportunities, grab a seat and begin your next adventure.  (Photo: February 16,2009)

Like soldiers at attention, the fallen soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery are laid to rest with the same level of perfection that they served the country with during their service.  Created on the grounds that were once the estate of Confederate general Robert E Lee, the Arlington National Cemetery was established in 1864.  Today the cemetery has grown to 624 acres and is the final resting place of over 400,000 heroes.  (Photo: April 29, 2004)

A canon is prepped for firing at the Jamestown Settlement on the banks of the James River.  Canons like this one were used by early settlers to help defend their forts from Indian attacks.  Historical interpreters bring the settlement to life each day, reenacting life in the the first English settlement in the New World.  The journey travels through the colonization of the region beginning with he Powhatan Indian Village and leads to the settlement of Fort James.  (Photo: April 24, 2004)

Towering over the street, the Governor's Mansion at Colonial Williamsburg was once the home of the most powerful man in British America.  The palace was home to seven governors of the Royal Colony of Virginal and then two post colonial governors until the capital was relocate to Richmond.  The original house burnt down in 1781 but was reconstructed in the early 1930's.  Today it is one of many colonial buildings that can be toured as part of the Colonial Williamsburg living history museum.  (Photo: April 25, 2004)

A statue of a noble eagle guards the entrance to the Arlington National Cemetery.  It is only fitting that the symbol of our great nation be one of the icons seen while driving into the final resting place of many of the nation's great warriors.  (Photo: February 15, 2009)

The tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay region are a stunning site from the windows of an airplane.  In my opinion, there isn't a better view than the one seen when you are flying across the country.  This view was on a flight from Tampa to Washington DC on a heritage US Airways, now American Airlines Airbus A319.  (Photo: February 13, 2009)

A giant sword rising from the ground at Arlington National Cemetery pays tributes to the soldiers who enlisted in the Canadian armed forces in Europe. The Canadian Cross of Sacrifice was proposed by Prime Minister William Lyon in 1925 to honor the brave American soldiers who joined the Canadian military to fight in World War I before the US entered the conflict. (Photo: April 29, 2004)

The church at the Jamestown Settlement was the center of early settlers life in the new colonies. Religion was one of the many reasons why the early settlers risked so much to make the journey across the Atlantic to America. (Photo: April 24, 2004)

A field of colorful flowers brightens the ground in front of a home in the historic district of Williamsburg. Much of the historic district is preserved to spotlight the events surrounding the American Revolution. (Photo: April 25, 2005)

A monument to the flight crew of the Space Shuttle Columbia sits among the memorials at Arlington National Cemetery. On Febrauary 1, 2013, the Space Shuttle Columbia exploded upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere following the STS-107 mission, killing the entire crew. (Photo: April 29, 2004)

A historical actor represents Indian life at the Jamestown Settlement. (Photo: April 24. 2004)

The flower are in full bloom in the palace gardens at the Governors Palace at Colonial Williamsburg. (Photo: April 25, 2004)

A US Airways Boeing 737-400 prepares for flight at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC.  Reagan National is the gateway to the Nation's Capital, welcoming over 18 million visitors annually.  (Photo: February 16, 2009)

Body armor hangs on the wall inside Fort James at the Jamestown Settlement.  Guards of the fort would use armor like this to protect themselves from Indian attack during the settlement of the Virginia colony.  (Photo: April 24, 2004)

A musician plays in Market Square at Colonial Williamsburg.  The clock is turned back to 18th century to show visitors what life was like during the American revolution. Restored buildings and historical interpreters help to make history come alive. (Photo: April 25, 2004)

High atop an overlook at Arlington National Cemetery is the Arlington House. Once the home of confederate general Robert E Lee, the Arlington House and its ground were eventually turned into the national cemetery on orders from the Federal Government. (Photo: February 15, 2009)

The US Airways "Piedmont Pacemaker" heritage plane sits at the gate at Reagan National Airport. The plane is a flying tribute to Piedmont Air which was founded in 1962 and purchased by US Air in 1987. (Photo: February 13, 2009)