Grassfire.org's 2007 wall calendar is based on a "walking tour" of our nation's capital. Below is a brief synopsis of the walking tour, from Union Station to the Capitol to the monuments and the White House. To order the calendar for any gift to Grassfire, go here.

A Walking Tour Of Our Nation’s Capital

Union Station. Our walking tour begins at the gateway to our nation’s capital and D.C.’s most visited destination. When it was built, Union Station was the world’s largest train station. Since its restoration, Union Station — with its majestic 96-fott barrel vaulted ceiling — has regained its place as place of prominence in the District. Here, just five blocks from the U.S. Capitol, 29 million people each year embark on their capital journey.

U.S. Capitol. Just a short five-minute walk from Union Station heading south is the U.S. Capitol, called the most recognizable building in the world. The many halls of Congress reveal new treasures of our nation’s history and heritage of faith upon each visit. Sit in the House or Senate gallery. Stand in the rotunda and gaze up 180 feet to Burundi’s “Apotheosis of Washington” while surrounded by the “Frieze of American History” and the eight immense oil paintings that chart America’s foundations of faith and freedom.

U.S. Supreme Court. Directly across First Street from the Capitol sits the U.S. Supreme Court, private sanctuary to America’s highest justices since 1935a. The Corinthian architecture and grand scale of the west entrance places the Court as a co-equal branch of our government. If the Court is in session, it is worth the wait to sit in on an oral argument in the marble-lined Court Chamber a get a rare glimpse of the Court in action. Also, be sure to tour the east side where Moses, with Ten Commandments aloft, stands above the great lawgivers.

Library Of Congress. Just one block from the Supreme Court is the Library Of Congress. Founded in 1800, the Library is a grand tribute to learning. The centerpiece is the Jefferson Building, named after our great President whose 6,497 volumes helped restore the Library after it was burned to the ground in 1814. One of the most striking aspects of the Library with its over 130 million volumes is that only two items are on permanent display in the Great Hall: the Giant Bible of Mainz and the Gutenberg Bible.

Smithsonian/National Mall. It’s just a short walk west along Independence Avenue and down Capitol “hill” (yes, it actually is a hill!) to our nation’s most important Mall —the National Mall. It seems fitting that a great open space where countless millions have gathered in peaceful assembly is preserved as a reminder of our First Amendment rights. Be sure to invest a day or two exploring the Smithsonian’s historic and cultural archives which line both sides of the Mall.

National Archives. Nestled between Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues just north of the Smithsonian sits one of the greatest treasures of the Walking Tour. The National Archives’ Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom offers every person in the world equal access to our great founding documents: The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This sacred chamber serves as a vivid reminder of the power of the written word.

Washington Monument. Just six blocks from the Archives at the west end of the Mall stands the Washington Monument. This great obelisk, at one time the tallest building in the world, still towers over the capital city skyline. Be sure to take note of the tribute blocks which point to the faith of Washington and the nation. From atop this towering tribute, one can imagine the Father of our Nation still watching over today’s leaders.

Jefferson Memorial. Just south across the Tidal Basin in West Potomac Park stands the Jefferson Memorial. This open and easily accessible monument places Jefferson at the center of his greatest works — his writings. Be sure to note how the unique vantage point of this memorial seems to allow the Sage of Monticello to stand watch over the current occupant of the White House.

World War II Memorial. At the east end of the Reflecting Pool is one of the newest additions to our capital city tributes. Fifty-six pillars and dual 43-foot arches encompass the central plaza with its Freedom Wall honoring the 16 million who served and over 400,000 Americans who died in World War II. It is fitting that the sacrifices of our nation’s Greatest Generation are forever memorialized here.

Lincoln Memorial. It is just a short walk along the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial, where the President who saved the Union is seated, his place secure in American history. After climbing the steps leading to this memorial, one is struck by a sense of solemn dignity upon entering Lincoln’s chamber, only enhanced upon reading Honest Abe’s timeless addresses.

Arlington Cemetery. No visit to the nation’s capital is complete without journeying across the Potomac River (by cab or car) to Arlington National Cemetery. Built on the estate of Robert E. Lee, more than 300,000 are buried here. Most visited sites include the Tomb of the Unknowns and the Eternal Flame, reminders that the sacrifices of our nation’s honored dead will be recalled without interruption.

The White House. Just a few blocks due north of the Washington Monument is the White House. Even though its grounds are impeccable and every room serves as a beacon to our nation’s history, there are no signs of excessive grandeur befitting a king or a despot. Nestled among the trees of nearby Lafayette Park, this truly is the People’s House.