All Over DC!

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Due to some technical difficulties, our day 6 exploits are coming a bit late. It was another full day that began with breakfast at our DC hotel which consisted of the usual eggs, potatoes, fruit, yogurt, cereal, etc. There was lots of food and we would definitely need the energy!

We departed the hotel at about 8:15 and headed for Mount Vernon, home of our first president, George Washington. It is still a working farm as well as a living monument and museum to one of our greatest founding fathers. We had some free time to explore the property when we arrived. Many visited the tomb of George and Martha Washington as well as many of their family members. There were several out buildings to explore as well, including those for: laundry, slave quarters, a kitchen, carriages, blacksmith, etc. Each building had a replica scene set up so we could see each one as Washington would have seen it. When we approached the main mansion for our tour, we were taken aback by the incredibly beautiful view of the Potomac River from the back porch of the mansion. After taking in the views, we got in line for our mansion tour. Most of the mansion and many of the pieces of furniture and memorabilia are original. The Daughters of Mount Vernon have done an impeccable job of restoring and preserving the property so that Washington himself would recognize it. It was an awe-inspiring experience to walk where no only Washington once walked, but also many of the founding fathers! There was a definite history geek attack for many of us! After our mansion tour, we gathered in the back to enjoy more of the views and for a group picture. On the way back to the front of the property, we stopped to view the slave quarters. Once back at the main entrance, we had a chance to walk through the museum and, of course, gift shop. We keep saying it because its so applicable, but this experience really brought history to life. It made Washington seem human and thus more relatable. Mount Vernon was truly one of the highlights of the trip so far.

Our next stop was lunch! We drove to Alexandria where we had our choice of everything from Subway to very nice sit-down restaurants. There was also a chance to stock up on supplies like sunglasses, food, rain ponchos, and for me, SUNSCREEN!

Arlington National Cemetery was our next destination. We split into our two groups for the tour and immediately made our way to the Tomb of the Unknowns. We were able to watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony and a Public Wreath Laying Ceremony. We were all incredibly moved by the entire experience. The attention to detail and precision that the soldiers demonstrate show their reverence and dedication to those in the tomb and the countless who have given their lives for our country. After we left the Tomb of the Unknowns, we went into the amphitheater for a talk from one of the Tomb Sentinels, Sergeant Welch. This was a new opportunity that our tour director, Danielle arranged and was a complete surprise to nearly everyone. Not only did he talk about his own experience as a Tomb guard, but also let us all ask all the questions we wanted. Everyone learned so much from the opportunity to talk with him. We are so thankful to Danielle for arranging our time with him! Our next stop in the cemetery were the memorial stones for the Challenger and Columbia shuttles, as well as those who died Iran hostage crisis. As we walked up to the Arlington house, our tour guides told us the history of the cemetery. Your homework is to find out who the original owner of the house and property was and how it became a national cemetery. As we walked, we enjoyed beautiful views of Washington, DC! Once we got up to the Arlington House go to see the Tomb of the Unknown for the Civil War. We then made our way down to the area where John F. Kennedy is buried. Nearby is also his wife, Jacquelyn, and brothers, Robert, Ted, and Joseph. Finally we then made our way back to the exit. While the distinguished who are buried in the cemetery were important to see, it was the shear number of headstones that stood out for everyone. It was another stark reminder of the price of our freedom. I also want to praise our students for their superb behavior and show of dignity and respect they showed. It was another in a growing list of ways they have proven why Bixby is such a great place!

Once we left the cemetery, we made a short drive over to the Marine Corps Memorial which is a statue depicting the iconic image of the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima during WWII. As we departed the memorial, we read a first hand account of the Marines who were portrayed in the statue and the physical and mental price they payed during the war. The reading of the first-hand account of the men in the statue, who were only a few years older than our students, made the statue and its story much more relatable to our students.

As we drove to the Jefferson Memorial, our tour guides gave us a driving tour of the city. Once at the memorial, we had some time to take in the larger-than-life statue and surrounding structure. As we viewed the memorial, we were reminded of the work Jefferson did in the founding of our country. After taking a group picture, we departed for dinner at Fuel Pizza.

Dinner was very good, though a bit crowded. Everyone had pizza, garlic bread, salad, and cookies. We like to keep it healthy!

Our final stops for the day were at Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum and some souvenir shopping. The wax museum had figures and information about all of the presidents as well as other historically significant people and celebrities in music, TV, movies, sports, and media. It was very neat if not more than a little creepy! When we finished at the wax museum we had a few minutes to do some shopping at a nearby souvenir shop.While incredibly busy, it was a pretty great day! Thanks as always to our incredible tour directors, parents, chaperones, and kiddos for making today such a success!

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Comments

[Alan Mason]

Amazing!!
Sounds like an amazing day!! Would like to see Mount Vernon myself. Its truly impressive all that the group is getting to see. Have a great last day of the trip and safe travels home!