We headed up river (Potomac) in front of Arlington National Cemetery. The sea of patriotic, reverent walkers stretched as far as the eye could see. We crossed over the Memorial Bridge, where I was surprised to see a line of Secret Service-ish vehicles. I then found myself standing next to Senator George Allen (VA), who was shaking hands, thanking participants and posing for pictures. Then 50 or so yards ahead of us was a mob scene - in the middle of which was the septuagenarian rock star himself. No, not Mick Jagger, but Rummy! I didn't even attempt to get close to him, but just jealously smiled at the crowd of groupies and continued toward the Lincoln Memorial.
Just past the Korean War memorial we ran into three ignorant college kids who just couldn't leave such a somber occasion alone. Up to this point I had not seen anything remotely political. But there they were with their signs insulting Iraqi Freedom and President Bush. Most walkers simply ignored them, but a few (including yours truly) took great pleasure in shredding their pitiful arguments. Then another 100 yards later were the wackos themselves - Fred Phelps' Westboro "Baptist" Church cult. The authorities smartly fenced them in a good 100 yards away from the walk route, as those hate-filled freaks celebrated our soldiers' deaths, thanked God for 9/11's destruction, and insulted homosexuals. But I'm happy to report that the total number of protesters (read: sleazeballs) combined couldn't have exceeded thirty. But of course they're mentioned in virtually every news story of this solemn event.
Then a few minutes later we turned onto the National Mall, cheered by a collection of volunteers as we completed our approximately 2.5-mile trek to the rally site where a Clint Black concert awaited.
I was inspired by the tremendous turnout (despite a noticeable lack of interest here on FR.) 
DoD photos
http://www.pentagonmemorial.net