这是我人生第一次参观华盛顿。

为了能够更深入地了解这个城市，我专门找一间能够俯视华盛顿的酒店房间，

一眼望下去，就是美国最著名的五角大楼！

在导游的指引下，我重点参观了白宫、国会山、林肯纪念堂。

我当年（1988年）背诵的第三篇演讲就是林肯的葛底斯堡演讲。

这篇演讲不仅激励了成千上万的中国青年，

也激励了美国第一位黑人总统奥巴马。

 This year is the bicentennial celebration of Lincoln's birthday.

Great celebrations will be held in Washington D.C. and elsewhere across the USA.

 今年是林肯诞辰200周年。

在首都和全国各地都会举办大量的庆祝活动！

 Behind me is the world-famous White House

- the residence of the President of the United States.

Now the Obamas live here.

Because of 911, access is very limited.

More than 2.5 million people gathered here

to be a part of Obama's inauguration on January 20.

Most could not even see a thing, including the huge TV screens. 

People just wanted to be a part of history

and take part in what was a trememdous celebration of the American spirit.

It is the largest crowd that has ever gathered on the mall.

Lincoln's Gettysburg Address has inspired countless Chinese students and today,

Lincoln's words and leadership inspire America's 44th president,

Barack Obama.

I feel inspired as I read Lincoln's words...

some of my earliest English learning material! 

I am moved by Lincoln's powerful and concise address

and the countless students

I have heard reciting it over the years!