Evanston couple turns D.C. trip into Veterans Day observance

Lindsey Kennedy, a nurse from Evanston, watched President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance deliver speeches at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday. The ceremony marked the high point of her trip to the Washington, D.C. area, a journey her husband arranged as a birthday gift.

The visit was not originally planned for Veterans Day. Jason Kennedy, a financial advisor, promised his wife a trip to the capital during Trump's time in office. They booked the travel without a specific date in mind, but the itinerary aligned with the national holiday by chance. Lindsey described the day's events as her favorite part of the vacation so far.

"I thought it was really cool to see President Trump and Vance today," Lindsey said just outside the cemetery amphitheater after the ceremonies concluded. She identified the event as the most prized memory of their visit, which began Sunday.

The couple traveled with Lindsey's parents, William and Gayle Johnson of Fort Bridger. William is a retired lineman for the Wyoming Rural Electric Association, while Gayle works for Union Telephone Co., operating as Union Wireless. Jason noted that his wife's only requirement for the trip was to visit D.C. while Trump was president.

William Johnson cited the current condition of the capital as a reason for choosing this timeframe. "We came out to see Washington, D.C., while the place was clean," he said. Jason added that the Veterans Day ceremonies served as an added bonus to their itinerary, which included viewing local monuments and museums.

The family has experienced favorable weather throughout their stay. Skies have been sunny with highs in the mid-60s and minimal wind. Rain is forecast for Thursday, the day the group is scheduled to fly back home. The Kennedys and Johnsons will depart the nation's capital with memories of the Arlington ceremony and the clear November skies.