Washington D.C. is getting ready to Party

White House with brand new big beautiful flag

Big doings are on the way to prepare for our Nation’s Capital Semiquincentennial in 2026. It seems like only yesterday when Franklin turned to me and whispered that he hoped we could hold onto our republic.

“Ben,” I said. “Of course it will last.”

And I was correct. On July 4th, 2026, this great experiment that is our country will turn 250, and prove the old naysayers wrong.

As stated in the previous blog, we were contacted by Kyle Deckelbaum, Senior Manager for Domestic Media Relations from the non-profit group Destination D.C. He had complimented a story I had written about spending the 4th of July in our nation’s capital in 2023 for USA Today Network.

I like it when people compliment my writing - it does not happen often.

“John,” Kyle wrote to me. “D.C. is pulling out all the stops for the fourth in 2026. You’ve got to come and see what is planned.”

Don’t ask me twice to visit Washington, D.C. It is a wonderful destination for history buffs, library buffs, food buffs, pub buffs, and just buffs. And there is a chance to catch a sight of one of our hard-working representatives languishing on the steps of Congress, trying to figure out what more they can do to make life better for their constituents.

There's even a Route 66 display at the Smithsonian

That last comment may have been a bit of tongue-in-cheek. My part-time job is writing fictional novels and short stories.

I asked Laureen, my lovely wife, if she was interested in visiting . . . Actually, I never got the full question out.

“Of course, we should visit Washington D.C. this Fourth of July,” she replied to my not-quite-asked question.

How do wives do that? 

Turns out that the city is already gearing up for the spectacular extravaganza for the nation’s 250th anniversary. 

Even astronauts and flamingos are excited about the 250th

I was being invited to preview these exciting things that are going to take place within the streets of Washington, D.C., for the semiquincentennial. One year out, no problem, takes a bit of time to get articles in the queue for publishing, and I considered this as simply a scouting mission to inform my readers what will be in store if they plan on visiting D.C. to honor our wonderful country.

And what a history this nation has had over the past 250 years. Sure, not a perfect country, but one that I believe learns from its mistakes and moves forward for a better tomorrow for all of its citizens.

George Washington, the reluctant 1st President of the United States, said; The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

President Washington was pointing out that to be an American was not just a moniker to hang around one’s neck, but to truly honor the fact that America was not a dream but a reality to be held on to tightly. He knew firsthand the sacrifices during those war years from the beginning in 1775 until the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783 with the British Empire.

George Washington's farm - Mount Vernon 

Our nation was a concept that had never truly been experimented on in such a manner and at such a great cost for those sailing into uncertain waters.

To take up arms against the strongest military force on Earth at that time, Great Britain, was not for the faint of heart.

John Adams, a founding Father and the 2nd President of the newly formed United States, once said; Posterity! You will never know how much it costs the present generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it.

This route to freedom that our founding fathers and mothers fought for should never be underestimated. 

Freedom comes at a great emotional and physical cost - just ask a Vet.

So, without wasting a moment, I booked flights, hotels, and a cruise along the Potomac to visit Mount Vernon (I wanted to see if it had changed much since the last time George and I had talked), and I was quite proud of myself.

Cruising along the Potomac River

“I think the last night we’re there, you should take me to the VUE Restaurant on top of the Washington Hotel. As a celebration.”

“Celebration?”

Laureen nodded. “We won’t be there for the two hundred and fiftieth year's birthday, but we’ll be looking forward to it next year.”

I looked up the establishment. I would be celebrating if my American Express held out that evening. 

So, we hit the ground running at the Ontario International Airport on June 30th, for our latest adventure back to Washington D.C. to learn what all the hubbub Kyle had been discussing concerning the fanfare for our country's monumental birthday on July 4th, 2026.

Knowing Kyle, I’m sure the city built on a swamp had plenty up its sleeves to ensure no one would forget this special birthday party.

And it was my job to investigate, interview, visit, and report back.

Tour of the capital back in July of 2023

John can be contacted at: beyersbyways@gmail.com

For further information:

https://washington.org/DC-information/about-destination-dc

https://washington.org/

Happy 4th of July

 This year we are celebrating the 249th celebration of our Nation's Founding in the heart of government - Washington D.C. Yes, we were there in 2023 for the firework displays, but we wanted to get a peak at what is planned for the semiquincentennial in 2026.

We were contacted by Destination D.C. informing us that all stops have been pulled out for the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Imagine that - 1776 to 2026. How time flies.

So, we packed our bags and off we flew to Washington D.C. to learn what we could about the myriad of events planned for next year.

If personal agendas have not been planned for the summer of 2026, especially on July 4th, what better place to enjoy the national holiday than right there where all the action is going to take place.

Of course, we will report back what we learned - that's our job as researchers and writers.

But, in the meantime - 

                    Have a safe and Happy 4th of July!!!!

For more information: https://washington.org/DC-information/about-destination-dc 

Laureen, my lovely wife, and I have a deal. Being avid travelers, we decided years ago that every other year we would travel out of the country, and the following year, within in the country. 

That worked for decades: England and then South Dakota. Fuji and then Texas. Ireland and then Oklahoma. Peru and then Oregon. Seemed pretty simple and straightforward. The year 2023 meant out of the country. Though we did travel to Austria in 2022, but that was an anomaly since we hadn’t been able to travel much during those restrictive COVID times, in or out of the country. Besides, we just wanted to travel, and got a killer deal.

Vienna, seen from the River Danube

Though I did travel secretly, not letting anyone know of those travels during the restrictions certain entities put on their citizens. I had a travel column to write. It was my duty to throw caution to the wind. California was so restrictive that I read about a dolphin that was arrested near the Santa Monica pier for swimming without a mask. 

Visiting Hardyville cemetery during COVID

“Scotland it is,” I stated one early morning.

Laureen Beyer ready for our trip

“How about Washington D.C. instead,” Laureen countered. 

Nope, it was the ‘out of the country year’ - I knew who would win this discussion. 

A few weeks later, we were headed to the Los Angeles International Airport for our booked flights. And soon, we were landing at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Most would think that this would be a quick layover to the next flight which would deliver this traveling duo to the Edinburgh Airport in the area once known as Caledonia. Nope, we were staying in the swamp of Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. - the Swamp

“You know it really wasn’t built on a swamp,” Laureen stated as we waited for our car to take us to the hotel.

I had heard, from unreliable sources, that the capital of the United States had been built on a mosquito infested, alligator overrun swamp that oftentimes the likes of Sasquatch would snatch lawmakers out of their Congressional seats. 

Just a myth - but a good one. George Washington, the first president of the United States, envisioned this city on the banks of the Potomac River since it was so close to Georgetown, a strategically important locale at the time. The town was probably named after King George III (whom we pummeled), or either George Gordon and George Bell who first owned the land. 

Does it matter? George Washington just wanted the land to be away from the swampland that surrounded Chesapeake Bay. 

It is rumored that the future president said, “I hath thought of a most opportune locality for the splendid capital of this country we are striving to complete.” 

His assistant may have replied, “Hath you?” 

“Yeth, I hathhh,” Washington started but stopped, as his wooden choppers fell into some swampy ground at his feet. 

Being from a drier climate than Washington D.C. is during July, I felt the sweat start rolling down my back like a leech that has attached itself to your body while swimming in a not-so-clean lake. 

Actually, leeches don’t move much, they just burrow into your body searching for blood. I’ve had a few in my time adventuring here and there in remote locales. But my sweat rolled down from my back like the Potomac River making sure everyone knew I was a sweat attractor. 

And we were barely out of Terminal 2 at that point. “It’s humid,” I said. 

“The car is air conditioned,” Laureen replied, as our driver showed up. “Aren’t you sweating?”

“Women glisten,” she said. “Men sweat.” 

Thus began my adventure where three separate branches of government rule this great land of ours. The Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judiciary Branch. All separate but equal. I would be the judge of that, by the time this trip to the swamp was complete. 

U.S. Congress - one seat of power

First, to the hotel and a cold adult libation. It was awfully muggy. How muggy? A person could wear this weather. 

I had never been to Washington D.C., and I was looking forward to all the sites to be sought. 

George Washington, besides being the first president of the newly formed United States and the Hero of the Revolutionary War, actually chose the location of the nation’s capital. The future home to the Republic was to be between the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, above the shores and away from any of the swamp lands that are often present in slow brackish water located in eddies or estuaries. 

Potomac River looking toward Washington D.C.

The states of Maryland and Virginia ceded the land to build the capital, and according to the newly written Constitution, the area would be referred to as a ‘district’ distinguishing itself from belonging to any particular state. Thomas Jefferson and his fellow signers knew that the nation's capital had to be independent and never given state status, since that would imbue the small state an immense amount of clout that the other states would not have. 

Pierre L’Enfant, clearly a Frenchman, drew up some really cool plans for the new city.

“I, Pierre L’Enfant,” announced L’Enfant in a perfect French accent, “will make something you Americans could never think of. Because I am French.” 

Rumor is that a howling wind was sweeping along the Potomac and an aide to President Washington cupped his ears and said, “What did he say about an elephant?” 

The center of this new city would be the Capitol building where all the important issues would be decided by those elected by their constituents. Washington D.C. was off to a roaring start, but then the British invaded during the War of 1812 and burned down the White House, the Capitol, and the Library of Congress in 1814. 

That was very rude of them, and to this day no true American will ever learn the rules to some silly game called cricket. 

The new white house was designed by an Irish-American by the name of James Hoban and was rebuilt in 1817. He passed away on December 8th, 1831. I only mention this since I was born on December 8th and wonder if I may have gotten some of my building talents from my fellow Irishman. Aye, we Irish are a bit superstitious and believe in tall tales and conjuring of the spirits. 

One view of current White House

The town did not have much of a population and in 1847 grew smaller both in folks living there and actual acreage. The area, now known as Alexandria, left the district since they felt as though they were not being treated well by those across the wide Potomac River. 

Cobblestone road in Alexandria

It wasn’t until the Civil War that Washington D.C. increased in size, partly because all enslaved persons in the district were emancipated on April 16, 1862 - nine months before President Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. 

It became the hub for free slaves and the city flourished. Frederick Douglass, who met with President Lincoln on three occasions, made Washington D.C. his home. 

The Lincoln Memorial

The federal government grew during the war and a large army was barracked there to protect, not only the president but the rest of the United States Government. 

A good decision, since Virginia joined with the Confederate States of America and the state can easily be seen by the naked eye from the White House. 

The history of the United States is jam packed in Washington D.C. from the Revolutionary War, to the Civil War, and beyond. This is the centerpiece for all the action this wonderful country has seen. 

It was about time I visited and learned first-hand what this mecca for democracy had to offer. After changing out of my thoroughly wet clothing in the hotel and feeling a few pounds lighter from water loss, Laureen asked what I wanted to do first. 

“There is so much to see and learn,” I replied. “I’m not sure where to start.”

“There’s the National Mall, the reflecting pool, the Washington Monument,” she said. “Or perhaps we could just saunter through some of the Smithsonian Museums until we get our bearings.”

So much to see, and so little time. We had nine days to take in 247 years of the unbelievable history of triumph, defeat, wonder, hope, imagination, despair, struggle, argument, world aggression, and the rest that makes the United States what it is today. Where to start was a question I pondered for a moment.

But as I stood in the comfort of the air-conditioned lobby of our hotel and looked across the street. I knew where I wanted to start this new adventure to learn about those who not only built the history of our beautiful country but the city itself.

“There.” I said. 

“Where?” Laureen asked. 

 “Across the street, at the Capitol City Brewing Company.” 

And our adventure began.