A moment I feel very proud of was my first trip to Washington DC. The reasoning for this trip was so my dad, who is a marine could accept an award. My father is a recruiter for the Marines and quite frankly the best in his district. So before the trip, my dad sent an emailing concerning my absence for the next week and why.

So I packed for this week-long trip in a completely different climate. During this whole process of preparing, my dad was in a completely nervous state of mind. Never has he accepted an award at this level of honor.

It was a three and a half hour flight straight to Ronald Reagan National Airport from Dallas Love Field. Once we arrived I remember how frustrating getting the rental and checking into the hotel was, but anytime I looked at my dad a smile was always fixed to his face. 

The first night was not only a lack of confidence but also a lack of sleep. For me this was weird, I have always seen the tough side of my dad. So seeing him like this confused me and even made me nervous!

So the following morning, I dressed in my finest clothing with a nice big sweater.  The center the ceremony was being held at was across the street, so we just walked. But as we were walking I remember sirens throughout the base playing the “ Wake up” call, as the sirens began all the fellow marines making their way to the ceremony stopped what they were doing and saluted to the American Flag gracefully standing in the heart of the field. 

We then made our way to the building and were directed into a spacious room with seats lined up in the front behind a podium. This where my dad left us and sat in the front with fellow marines. Throughout the ceremony, I was beginning to get bored. As soon as he was called to the podium, Mia my youngest sister at the time screamed bringing the room’s attention to us and embarrassing my dad slightly I'm sure. 

When he accepted his award he gave a corny but very touching speech, one of the many moments I've been nothing short of proud of him. After the ceremony, we were directed into a dining room and were directed to tables by waiters. This atmosphere was absolutely stunning, the white cloth on the table with the name cards and vase of the most beautiful flowers was amazing. The day was nothing but amazing for my dad. 

The rest of the trip was full of the making of memories. We sent sightseeing and walked miles throughout Washington DC. This trip was amazing and disappointed that it had to end so soon. All because my dad is amazing at what he does.