Welcome to America, the Land of the Free and… Well too bad, it’s closed.

The symbols of America are monuments to freedom that are visited everyday by thousands of tourists. But not when the government is shut down, as this article by the New York Times highlights. As the length of the government shutdown continues on, the frustration of visiting tourists mounts each day. Public parks and moments, normally open all hours of the day with unrestricted access now have hastily placed metal barriers all around. Tourists are turned away at the spot, often confused by how the government is just simply, “shut down.” Amidst the shutdown, however, World War II and Vietnam veterans symbolically brushed past the temporary barriers to honor their fellow soldiers at a memorial. Somewhat ironically, they are aided by a dozen congressmen –After a slew of letters petitioning for their access to the memorial.