Smithsonian Air and Space Museum

[Wcdhtwn]

Visiting DC and they have this little beauty on display. That’s the actual jet Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in. And had to capture my GMT with it, though couldn’t get both in focus.

I didn’t know this until yesterday but this place has the actual Wright Brothers plane on display. Not a model, recreation, mock up, the actual plane that made the first flight ever. Humbling to see.




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[JohnGT3RS]

Don’t miss the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles. It has a lot of stuff that won’t fit on the mall.

[Vicious49]

Having grown up in the D.C. Area, we took most of that for granted as yearly field trips to the air and space museum were common. I remember the Wright bros plane but don't remember seeing the one you pictured. Udvar Hazy has a space shuttle and the Blackbird on display if you decide to go out that far.

[Jack T]

That’s one of the best museums in DC, and I really like your GMT. Should’ve gotten one long ago...

As for the Wright Bros original plane, a sight to see, but hardly humbling. Go to Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial, the Marine Corp Monument to feel humility, and gratitude.

[HONDABBQ]

Originally Posted by JohnGT3RS

Don’t miss the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles. It has a lot of stuff that won’t fit on the mall.

Went to both but the Udvar was mind boggling. To see the space shuttle up close was amazing. Taking the tour with the staff to get information was the best part. To hear the details of the different craft was so interesting. If your there it's a place not to miss.

[Danny83]

Thats a great place

[Spartacus]

Originally Posted by JohnGT3RS

Don’t miss the Udvar-Hazy Center at Dulles. It has a lot of stuff that won’t fit on the mall.

Yes!

[AzPaul]

They have the Friendship 7 and the Apollo 11 capsule, as well. Incredible, living history there.

[bayerische]

Visited back in 2011, loved it!

[The Libertine]

Was there last week. Great WW II Exhibit and the 3D IMAX film on the Aircraft Carrier was excellent.

[Aldwyn]

I used to work in the building across the street from it, and went over there often during lunch or after work. Its my favorite museum in DC! I still havnt been to the annex out by Dulles Airport yet... need to get out there!

Hope you are enjoying your stay!

[Wcdhtwn]

Originally Posted by Jack T

That’s one of the best museums in DC, and I really like your GMT. Should’ve gotten one long ago...

As for the Wright Bros original plane, a sight to see, but hardly humbling. Go to Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial, the Marine Corp Monument to feel humility, and gratitude.

Well Jack, I felt humbled and honored to be in the presence of the first aircraft that took off and landed on purpose. All of the aircraft and space vehicles in that museum, and everywhere, draw their roots to that first airplane. I had no idea it was there, I was caught off guard. I didn't know the real plane still existed in one piece.

Also went to Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier today. I couldn't explain the to my kids why it's guarded 24x7, and the unflinching and everlasting honor to those unknown who served and died for our freedom, without tearing up. So yes, that was a far different experience and range of emotions than the Wright Brothers Airplane.

"Hardly Humbling"? Why undermine and insult my experience and reaction to what I saw? I shared that with the forum, I certainly don't need your .02 telling me my feeling at seeing the first plane to ever fly was inappropriate or unwarranted.

That said, your response to my post has been on my mind all day. Kind of ruined it to be honest. Maybe I should stick to giving useless advice to those contemplating their first Rolex. I really thought there would be interest in the rocket/plane Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in for the first time. And a photo of a GMT, which was CY's Rolex of choice, with the rocket/plane in the background would be a nice homage to the man and Rolex. And there was. Until you chimed in, then I regretted creating the thread.

Have a good evening. Obviously I would recommend you picking up the GMT. If you do I hope you enjoy it.

For now, good evening.

[Art 1]

Love that place.

[Abdullah71601]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Well Jack, I felt humbled and honored to be in the presence of the first aircraft that took off and landed on purpose. All of the aircraft and space vehicles in that museum, and everywhere, draw their roots to that first airplane. I had no idea it was there, I was caught off guard. I didn't know the real plane still existed in one piece.

Also went to Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier today. I couldn't explain the to my kids why it's guarded 24x7, and the unflinching and everlasting honor to those unknown who served and died for our freedom, without tearing up. So yes, that was a far different experience and range of emotions than the Wright Brothers Airplane.

"Hardly Humbling"? Why undermine and insult my experience and reaction to what I saw? I shared that with the forum, I certainly don't need your .02 telling me my feeling at seeing the first plane to ever fly was inappropriate or unwarranted.

That said, your response to my post has been on my mind all day. Kind of ruined it to be honest. Maybe I should stick to giving useless advice to those contemplating their first Rolex. I really thought there would be interest in the rocket/plane Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in for the first time. And a photo of a GMT, which was CY's Rolex of choice, with the rocket/plane in the background would be a nice homage to the man and Rolex. And there was. Until you chimed in, then I regretted creating the thread.

Have a good evening. Obviously I would recommend you picking up the GMT. If you do I hope you enjoy it.

For now, good evening.

You emotions are correct for each experience.

I remember seeing the Apollo11 capsule and thinking about the staggering level of engineering effort it took for men to walk on the moon. Standing next to the capsule brought out a sense of awe. The Glamorous Glennis and Wright Flyer evoke similar emotions. It is humbling to be in the presence of these achievements.

The war monuments evoke different emotions. They recognize sacrifice to duty, honor, and country. For those who have served, or those who have lost loved ones in war, the memorials are quite powerful.

Each emotion is valid. And one is no less humbling than the other. Enjoy your visit. There are many humbling things to see in DC.

[BNA/LION]

Nice!

Anymore Pictures to share?

[DJ TT 2002]

I’m a Smithsonian junkie

I would be there for weeks at a time if they’d let me bring a sleeping bag!

The whole experience is awe inspiring

The Wright Brothers by David McCollough is a great read and helps to put their achievements in perspective

[Watch This]

Originally Posted by Wcdhtwn

Well Jack, I felt humbled and honored to be in the presence of the first aircraft that took off and landed on purpose. All of the aircraft and space vehicles in that museum, and everywhere, draw their roots to that first airplane. I had no idea it was there, I was caught off guard. I didn't know the real plane still existed in one piece.

Also went to Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier today. I couldn't explain the to my kids why it's guarded 24x7, and the unflinching and everlasting honor to those unknown who served and died for our freedom, without tearing up. So yes, that was a far different experience and range of emotions than the Wright Brothers Airplane.

"Hardly Humbling"? Why undermine and insult my experience and reaction to what I saw? I shared that with the forum, I certainly don't need your .02 telling me my feeling at seeing the first plane to ever fly was inappropriate or unwarranted.

That said, your response to my post has been on my mind all day. Kind of ruined it to be honest. Maybe I should stick to giving useless advice to those contemplating their first Rolex. I really thought there would be interest in the rocket/plane Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in for the first time. And a photo of a GMT, which was CY's Rolex of choice, with the rocket/plane in the background would be a nice homage to the man and Rolex. And there was. Until you chimed in, then I regretted creating the thread.

Have a good evening. Obviously I would recommend you picking up the GMT. If you do I hope you enjoy it.

For now, good evening.

Bravo! Well said.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by Jack T

That’s one of the best museums in DC, and I really like your GMT. Should’ve gotten one long ago...

As for the Wright Bros original plane, a sight to see, but hardly humbling. Go to Arlington Cemetery, the Vietnam Memorial, the Marine Corp Monument to feel humility, and gratitude.

Agreed one of my favorite museums in DC by far.

[1William]

Very nice. I always enjoy history and watches.

[Aldwyn]

Yeah, OP... dont let anyone invalidate your experience or your emotions about it. There are a lot of things that are humbling in DC (though I venture to say I imagine our government isnt one of them!), and we each have our own reactions to them. From a portrait in the National Gallery to the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial which ALWAYS seems to have a vet there, 24/7.

On a more lighthearted note:

When I was in college back in the 80s, after a night of drinking in the Georgetown bars, a friend and I wandered the Mall and decided to go skinny dipping in the reflecting pool ~2am... It was quite humbling to jump in butt naked and realize it's only calf deep! :D

[Doc Savage]

Originally Posted by Aldwyn

Yeah, OP... dont let anyone invalidate your experience or your emotions about it. There are a lot of things that are humbling in DC (though I venture to say I imagine our government isnt one of them!), and we each have our own reactions to them. From a portrait in the National Gallery to the Viet Nam Veterans Memorial which ALWAYS seems to have a vet there, 24/7...

Exactly.

I'm pretty sure the guy that crapped on the OP was trying to encourage you to see other, great sites in DC, and probably not intending his post to be as insulting as it was.

I am a veteran, and I have been deeply moved by my multiple visits to the Tomb of the Unknowns, the Vietnam Memorial, and others. But I have also been deeply affected by witnessing and touching Apollo capsules and seeing the Wright Brothers' plane.

[joeychitwood]

This is the most fascinating museum I've ever explored. Having watched the space program from the earliest days, to stand steps away from Buzz Aldrin's lunar suit, Gemini, Mercury and Apollo capsules and the thousands of other items on display was absolutely awe inspiring.

The Mercury and Gemini capsules are little more than dumpsters. To think that astronauts strapped in and launched into space inside them is incredible.

Friendship 7:



A two-person Gemini capsule:



Buzz Aldrin's Apollo 11 lunar suit covered in Moon dust:



And a lunar lander which greets you as you walk in the front door. I was speechless.

[MWU]

Check out the X-15, 50 miles or 80 kilometers was considered space in order to get USAF Astronauts wings so the first Rolex in space was worn in October 1967 aboard X-15 flight 188 by William "Pete" Knight!