Day 5 and 6: Mt. Rushmore
*** Updated*** Post to follow, it is late and raining in our current KOA!
Patriotism is defined as "an emotional attachment to a nation which an individual recognizes as their homeland. This attachment, also known as national feeling or national pride, can be viewed in terms of different features relating to one's own nation, including ethnic, cultural, political or historical aspects." Often when one thinks of patriotism it is difficult to come up with a definition that doesn't include soaring eagles, the Statue of Liberty, or potentially even Chuck Norris; however, now Michelle and I both have the great privilege of having been present at the presidential carvings on Mt. Rushmore during both the day and for the almost magical evening lighting ceremony in which patriotism runs off the charts. Both of us had received mixed reviews on Mt. Rushmore with some people saying it is nothing but a waste of time and $11 parking, and some (yes, you Jennifer, you were right) said it is without a doubt a pivotal experience, that would be an abomination to miss. To each there own (however, I think you can probably tell how both Michelle and I felt), but being present for the lighting ceremony with patriotic tunes playing, wonderful words from Park Ranger Brian, informational video of how Mt. Rushmore came to be (couldn't miss out on some self promotion National Park Service, huh?) and an awe inspiring presentation of the colors with at least 100+ members of United Stated armed services from the vast crowd on stage, all culminating to the lighting of the mountain was nothing but incredible.