Well, our trip has come to a close. It's been an action-packed vacation and a bit of a whirlwind. But it's also been fun and I think everyone learned a lot. We're going to try and have some of the kids post their stories and experiences from the past couple days. Morgan Northrop already did - check it out!
Today started with Ford's Theatre (the place where Lincoln was assassinated), then we did the National Cathedral, Pentagon City Mall for lunch, Arlington National Cemetery, and the World War II Memorial. It was an amazing day with so much to see and take in.
Ford's Theatre was very cool. It's actually run by the National Park Service, so we got to hear a ranger speak about the assassination as well as check out a small museum and see the actual box (they don't call it a BOOTH) where the President was shot. The box was decorated as it would have looked when Lincoln was killed, with the exact same picture of George Washington sitting in front of it that was there that fateful night almost 150 years ago. I'm a history dork, so I was very impressed!
The National Cathedral was also incredible. We were warned that our eyes wouldn't be able to handle the immense beauty we were going to experience - and they were right! There's also no way that the photos can even begin to do justice to the artistry and architecture. It was gorgeous! It's also an operating church, so we had to be respectful of those in prayer and church services as we wandered about. The kids did great! They were so quiet, polite and respectful of everyone and everything. They were probably in as much awe of our surroundings as the adults were - which essentially left us all speechless.
Pentagon City Mall was our lunch stop. They have a huge food court with all kinds of options. Many of the kids went to Taco Bell. You know, for something different. :-) But we also drove by the Pentagon and Pentagon 9/11 Memorial on our way to/from the mall. So, that was cool.
Arlington Cemetery was special. We got to see the eternal flame for JFK and the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. As if those aren't cool enough, we also were fortunate enough to witness a funeral procession and grave visit of a fallen soldier. One of our guides thought it was likely someone from Vietnam, based on the funeral attendees. But, we got to see the body being transported on a caisson pulled by horses. Our guide said that he's only seen that once before and it was very special. Then, while we were watching the changing of the guards, in the middle of presentation, we heard the 21 gun salute and "Taps" being played in the background. It was a truly beautiful, patriotic moment that our entire group seemed to appreciate.
After that, we went to the WWII Memorial (which I don't care much for). It was quick, but the kids got to see a lot. So it was cool. Then it was dinner and loading the bus! We are now on our way home to you!! It's been a great trip. One that I think all of us will remember for a very long time. I apologize that I don't have pictures to post today. I'm having trouble uploading on the bus. I'll try to post some later. Thank you again for sending your kids with us! See you bright and early tomorrow!!
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