My daughter and I went to visit friends in Tennessee for long weekend. She and her friend met in PreK-4 and were fast friends until their family moved about a year and a half ago. We flew into Nashville and then proceeded to Fort Campbell, where their family resides.
We began our sightseeing tour with a stop to the Don F. Pratt Museum. The museum’s central theme is the history of the 101st Airborne Division, the “Screaming Eagles,” and it covers the period from the early 1940s to present. It is a fascinating museum which includes artifacts from WWII, Vietnam and Iraq. My favorite part of the exhibit shows the remarkable development of airborne medical evacuation operations in modern times.
Later in the day, we visited The Hermitage, the home of President Andrew Jackson. This is truly one of our most exquisite national treasures. The Hermitage is reputedly one of the most authenically preserved early presidential home sites. The museum includes original artwork, furniture, textiles, personal items, wallpapers and much more. We toured the mansion and learned much about the home from guides dressed in period costumes.
The girls visit the Hermitage Garden and tomb of Andrew Jackson and his wife, Rachel, which is in the corner of the garden.
Just next to the elaborate tomb monument lies the simple plot of Uncle Alfred, long-time slave of the Jackson family. The family owned 150 slaves. Our visit on Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend gave us time to reflect on the importance of freedom and equality for all individuals.
The girls have grown up so much and what fine young ladies they are!
We had a fabulous time sightseeing and reminiscing.
Praise the Lord for the friends and family and God Bless the U.S.A.!!!
