Spring Break 2012--Day Five: One Last Trip through Philly

On Friday morning we packed up our belongings and loaded the van, headed back to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall before going home.

We were booked on a tour in the early afternoon, and happened to get the best tour guide we've ever had.  Anywhere.  Ever.  Seriously--Al was great!  He loves history, and made the experience so real and personal for us.  He got emotional.  We got emotional.  It was a wonderful time, and his viewpoint and stories added so much to the tour.  He treated us all like family, and greeted us as such.

 We were first taken to the Supreme Court Room,

and then to the Assembly Room, where the Declaration of Independence was debated and approved, despite some difficult and even dangerous circumstances regarding some of the delegates involved.
Interesting stories.

After our tour, we went across the street to Washington Square, a lovely area that has served many purposes in its history.  Most poignantly, it was used as a burial ground for thousands of soldiers during the Revolutionary War, and is the site of The Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier.  An eternal flame burns there with a statue of President George Washington, after whom the square was named.  

 Engraved beside the statue of George Washington are these words from his Farewell Address:
"The independence and liberty you possess
are the work of joint councils and joint efforts
--of common dangers, sufferings, and success."
Sept 17, 1796

It was a lovely place to sit and think about the sacrifices many have made through our country's relatively brief history.  We military folk have a soft spot for places like this.  They are reverent, sacred ground.

But, we can't be serious all the time, nor should we be...

While these places are often spots for meditation, 

I'm not sure this is what was meant!

After seeing the square, we headed back toward Independence Hall to see Congress Hall, just to the west.  Congress Hall served as the capitol building for 10 years; it was there that our nation ratified the Bill of Rights, and the building oversaw the inaugurations of both George Washington and John Adams.

 The House Chamber on the first floor.

The Senate Chamber on the second floor.

Then we were back out on the street, finishing up our last day of "rest and relaxation."  

 We loved our time in New York and Philadelphia, and are definitely heading back; we feel like we barely scratched the surface, but were so glad we got to see and experience as much as we did.

And it looks like we even still like each other at the end of a busy and tiring week.  Bonus!

Happy Spring Break!!