We left the motel at 8 a.m. and visited Harry and Bess Truman's house in north Independence.

Then it was on to Kansas City where we overlooked the confluence of the Kansas (or Kaw) and Missouri Rivers, in the point of which Lewis & Clark camped  from June 26-29, 1804. Clark remarked in his journal about a high point which would be a good place for a fort. A recent statue was placed there and, since it was Flag Day, we said the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Lora Lee

At the Western Historic Trails Center in Council Bluffs, we all gathered at the river for this photo after viewing Lewis & Clark's White Catfish Camp

Fort Atkinson was the next stop. This fort was built in 1820 to protect American river traders from 1820 to 1827. whereas we carry the 15-star, 15-stripe flag, they display either 21 or 24, to note the times of their existence. This fort housed up to 1000 soldiers.