Harry's Gang: America found at revered memorial

The Washington Monument is a pretty impressive structure, located in the heart of the "swamp" of Washington, D.C. It's an obelisk, a four-sided tapered tower with a pyramid on top. It's just about the only time most of us will ever use the term "obelisk."

At 555 feet tall, it was once the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1884, and is still the tallest building in D.C. It's oddly two-toned: construction stopped at about 150 feet up and resumed a few years later, but with marble from a different source. The shading is noticeable, giving the monument an odd feel, like when a child's drawing suddenly changes colors after her crayon broke. An earthquake (seriously) slightly damaged the monument in 2011, and it's been closed since 2016.

The monument reopens today, after repairs and upgrades to its elevator. I'm planning to stand in line to ride to the top, although I've heard that thousands may be there and my odds are slim.

It's worthy to note that this massive structure was built right in the middle of town - right in the middle of the swamp. Swamps are not ideal foundations for large buildings, but this one is impressive. Encompassing the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, National Mall, and the U.S. Capitol building (which, of course, sits on a hill), the area is an inspirational testament to the democracy and freedom that is America.

I don't like the term "swamp" when referring to our nation's capital. It has implications - dirty, smelly, corrupt - when it's really none of those things. Our president has hijacked the phrase to imply our government needs to be drained away while, if you actually visit here and see what happens, you'll see most are trying to run this massive country as best they can, and it's still the greatest country in the world. Frankly, the swamp doesn't need draining.

Many people around the world agree with me. People are fighting just to get in here - I doubt that would be happening if our country weren't already great. And the tourists that flock to the Capitol's sites and attractions - I met so many people on the Mall. I met Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Christians. Some with cute little 4-year-old girls like I have. Some with squirrely 10- and 12-year-old boys, with boundless energy and even more curiosity. We bonded while our children bonded. Some were Americans; some were foreigners. One family asked me to take their picture as we were rushing to get to our car before the meter expired - I agreed to take the picture but told them I only had a minute. They were Japanese and spoke very little English, so I don't think they understood. But there they were, handing their camera to a complete stranger ... then smiling about it.

I met a German family towing their three children around, just like me. In the short time we spent together on the Lincoln Memorial, our kids were alternately whining, stubborn, happy and delightful. Most of us were solemn as we read the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural speech inscribed on the walls, but the little girls chased each other around giggling. I joked that my Fitbit better not count all the steps up the monument as "one flight;" it turns out they, too, spoke very little English. They were me. Visitors to the swamp.

It's easy to criticize our government from far away. Up close, we've got a pretty good thing going.

I wonder if any of the leaders of today will someday merit a Washington Monument of their own. I can't imagine who it would be, in our current environment. But I have no doubt that such a leader exists and will someday deserve the honor. I know America is great.

Pete Radosevich is the publisher of the Pine Knot News community newspaper and an attorney in Esko. He can be reached at [email protected].