The Trust for the National Mall interviewed Laurie Ruffino, a volunteer on the National Mall and Vietnam War veteran from the 199th Infantry, who shared a special, chance encounter he had at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with two veterans who served in the same unit as him, as well as his experience as a volunteer and a welcoming face for the over five million visitors who come to see the Wall on the National Mall.

BlogGuest UserNovember 30, 2022women's history month, Volunteers, eisenhower memorial, Volunteer Spotlight

Cherry Trees: A First Lady's Legacy

When the Tidal Basin is abloom with its annual display of pink and white petals, we take time to remember the presidential first ladies. Helen Taft was the first presidential spouse to observe the traditional Japanese custom of hanami, or flower watching, in the United States. Subsequent first ladies have continued the tradition of DC’s “spring rite” as honorary chairs of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Voices of Volunteers: Candace Harman

Candace Harman joined the volunteer corps in 2017 and has served at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and World War II Memorial. Candace has been volunteering at the Eisenhower Memorial since it opened in September 2020, after her trip to Normandy inspired a new appreciation for Eisenhower’s leadership during World War II. Candace has a long history with the National Mall, as she worked there as a seasonal Park Ranger at the beginning of her career.

Voices of Volunteers: Lynn Addington

Lynn Addington joined the National Mall volunteer team when the Eisenhower Memorial opened in September, and she has been an engaged member ever since, participating in both the Interpretation and Research teams. Lynn's experience as an educator is so useful in creating interpretive experiences that are engaging and accessible to people of multiple ages and backgrounds. Her favorite part of the Eisenhower Memorial is the young Ike statue because the statue is life size rather than heroic size. Lynn says, "When I meet visitors – especially families – I like to highlight this statue, as both the size and his age make Eisenhower seem more approachable. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about his early years and education."

Voices of Volunteers: Mary Beth Moore

Mary Beth Moore joined the National Mall volunteer team in 2014 and has served in a number of roles, including providing support at special events, visitor services across the National Mall, and, most recently, interpretation at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial. Having lived in DC for over 40 years, Mary Beth has an in-depth knowledge of the city and is an amazing resource for visitors and locals alike. Mary Beth’s background in public health provides valuable perspective on Eisenhower and Oveta Culp Hobby’s work with the Department of Health, Education, and Wellness and the current historical context which volunteers serve the public in today.

Voices of Volunteers: Morgan Anderson

Morgan Anderson has been volunteering at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial since its opening in September 2020, but her involvement began with the Memorial’s groundbreaking in 2017 as a member of Senator Pat Roberts’s team. Morgan is a native Kansan, and her childhood visits to Eisenhower’s home in Abilene first sparked her interest in Dwight Eisenhower, Morgan’s favorite president. Morgan's personal connections to Eisenhower and the Memorial give her a new perspective that has inspired many memorable visitor connections on site, including enriching Major General John F. Hussey, Commanding General of the 200th Military Police Command’s trip to the 34th President’s memorial.

The Women Who Planted The Cherry Trees on the National Mall

The cherry trees on the National Mall have more than 100 years of rich and vibrant history. At the root of their story are a few powerful and trailblazing women who have changed the National Mall environment to how we know it today. As our community comes together to celebrate the cherry blossom season, the Trust for the National Mall is celebrating Women’s History Month, recognizing the women who aligned their strengths to enrich the National Mall with our iconic cherry trees.

TRUST FOR THE NATIONAL MALL