Presidential Lock

This is the tomb of James Monroe, fifth President of the United States and the last president who was a Founding Father. He was also a Governor of Virginia, and helped to negotiate the Louisiana Purchase, when he served as a diplomat to France. 

He supported the founding of Liberia for freed African slaves, and the capital, Monrovia is named for him. 

He was the author of the Monroe Doctrine, a landmark in American foreign policy which opposed any European intervention in independent countries in the Americas. 

He and President John Tyler are both buried in Richmond.   This shot was taken of Monroe’s tomb which is fenced and secured with this rather mundane looking lock and derelict chain.  In addition, someone had recently placed flag which has started to unravel.  It all looked very un-presidential.  

We have returned home for New Year’s Eve, and a quick visit with #4 son who is home to attend the hockey “Winter Classic,’ which is in DC this year. 

We leave tomorrow for a few days in NYC, …a time to catch up with friends and family there. 


Sending lots of good wishes for the New Year to all my Blip friends. May this new year bring happiness and joy.