Friday, May 13

Thursday, May 12

Thursday began with breakfast at our hotel before heading to Mount Vernon to see the home of George Washington.  We toured the mansion, the grounds and explored the museum dedicated to our first president.  After lunch we made our way back to DC to visit the World War II memorial and see the live butterfly experience at the Museum of Natural history.  Next, we snuck our way over to the International Spy Museum where the students became experts at espionage.  We concluded our day with the Evensong service at the National Cathedral.  Back at the hotel, we enjoyed pizza and cake (in honor of Maddy’s birthday) before swimming and devotions.  Another amazing day!

Mount Vernon

Today we went to the beautiful Mount Vernon!  This is where George Washington’s beautiful mansion lay.  Where better to have the home of such a wonderful man that is overlooking the Potomac River.  We also visited George’s grave.  It was so cool how it was just right there and not heavily guarded.  It was so amazing and one of my favorite places yet!

--Maddy

World War II Memorial

At the World War II memorial  which was beautiful and full of many fountains and pillars for states and territories.  The art and architecture was exquisite but we still had a sense of sadness yet also peace.  It was beautiful and extremely meaningful.

--Michelle

Spy Museum

Today we went to the International Spy Museum.  It tells all about the secret history of our history.  The museum contains interactive stations and include real espionage artifacts like camcorders in a button or voice recorder as thin as a human hair.  There was also information about ninja spies and real spies impacting wars.  We were assigned to a “cover” to be for the museum without being suspicious.  Altogether it was very fun and informative and we all got cool spy gear.  We loved it.

--Paige

Evensong at National Cathedral

The White House

The White House was built in the year 1792.  It has housed every president since it was built.  But our current White house is not the same one that housed the first four presidents.  During the war of 1812, the White House and all of Washington DC burnt down.  For the British had set our capital city on fire  The new (current) White House as built in the year 1817.  Today they hold meetings about subjects such as money currency, war decisions, and peace treaties.  The White house even has it’s own theater. 

--Charles

Wednesday, May 11

This morning began with a trip to breakfast in Crystal City, VA before heading over to the Air Force memorial overlooking the Pentagon and Washington DC.  While there, the students were given the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military and then chose to serve them through letters we wrote to them.  Then it was off to the Supreme Court where we were able to see where our laws are interpreted.  Next was a trip over to the Library of Congress Jefferson Building to see a few books, including Jefferson’s personal library and some very old bibles. 

After a short walk to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, we enjoyed lunch and had time to explore the exhibits before taking in an IMAX film on the Hubble Telescope.  Our journey to the American History Museum took us through the Sculpture Garden, which we were able to explore and admire.  The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the American History Museum where we explored many of the elements that have contributed to our nation.

We were able to visit Pentagon City mall for differ and a bit of shopping before heading back to the Lincoln Monument, the Einstein statue, then arriving at the Kennedy Center just in time to enjoy watching the sunset over the Potomac River from the rooftop terrace.  Our trip back into Alexandria was full of reflection and fun, leading to a wonderful bible study with Pastor Larry.

Air Force Memorial

Paige leading Morning Devotions

Air Force Memorial

Serving others, writing letters of thanks to military

Today we went to the Air Force Memorial.  It consisted of three huge curved beams going out from each other.  It was a truly beautiful sight.  There was also a memorial for all fo the fallen soldiers.  People had put their own pictures to remember their loved ones.  Walking through the memorial made me feel proud but the memorial of the fallen solders saddened and angered me.  Overall, I enjoyed this memorial.

--Derek

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Building

The minute I walked into the Supreme court I was blown away by the beautiful architecture.  It had a simple elegance that can’t be duplicated.  I couldn’t believe that 80 out of 10,000 cases were accepted each year.  It was something I will never forget.

--Lilah

Library of Congress

Photo Opt. in the Library of Congress

At the Library of Congress we say many statues.  They all had different meanings and jobs.  It had a huge painting of twelve countries like a clock.  America was at 11 o’clock with the achievements of science.  Judea was up there with the achievement of religion.  The whole painting was above the library which is one of the biggest.  Also during exams it is packed with people studying, but it wasn’t today while we were visiting.

--Sam

Air and Space Museum

Still having fun!

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was a blast.  I can’t even explain how extravagant it all was.  I learned so much and didn’t even know was possible.  I couldn’t walk away without being intrigued by something amazing.

--Lilah

Smithsonian Museum of American History

Museum is now closed, we got kicked out, time to go to dinner

Today we went to the beautiful and huge American History Museum.  There was so many different exhibits!  My personal favorite was the one with all the dresses of the new First Ladies ant their husband’s inaugural ball.  I enjoyed the exhibit called “treasures of Popular Culture.”  It included a hat of Michael Jackson, the Burt and Ernie puppets, cat women’s costume, Simba’s Mask from the Lion King, Nastia Liukin’s leotard from  when she won the gold metal, and Dorthy’s famous ruby red sparkling slippers from the Wizard of Oz.  The museum also included Julia Child’s kitchen set from her TV show.  There is so much history and I’m glad we have such a wonderful place to store it all!

--Maddy

Lincoln Memorial

Today we saw the Lincoln Memorial!  It was absolutely stunning!  Wendel, our bus driver, about how the 58 steps leading up to his 56 years of his life and the extra two steps represent the 2 terms as president.  We also learned that martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a Dream speech” there.  The two speeches on the walls were his Inauguration Speech and the other was the Gettysburg Address.  We learned that half of his face was partially frowning to represent his dissatisfaction.  Also his hands show how to sign his name in Sign Language.  Overall this was an awesome memorial that we learned a lot of new stuff about.

--Alyssa

Tuesday, May 10

This morning began with a wonderful breakfast at our hotel in Alexandria, VA. before heading to the Washington Monument.  While waiting for our appointment to go up to the 500 foot level of the monument, we decided to take a walk over to the White House to catch a glimpse of the President (no luck but we had a great walk and took many photos anyway)!  After a short walk back to the WA Monument, we had a great time waiting our turn in the line and then proceeded to take the 70 second elevator ride to the top floor of the monument to witness the amazing 360 degree views of our capital and the surrounding states of Maryland and Virginia.  It was a beautiful and clear day so we were able to see for miles and miles.

After our return to the ground and many, many pictures later we were off to our appointment and tour of the Capital building.  We were all very excited to see where our laws are introduced, debated, and passed.  We had an exceptional tour guide who answered any and ALL of our questions, staying long after out tour was over to make sure no question went unanswered. 

After a quick stop for lunch, we were off to witness more history in the form of documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and the Bill of Rights housed under intense security in the National Archives.  We were able to make an extended stop in the gift shop before heading to the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History to see many artifacts much older then those found in the Archives. 

Before leaving the city, we headed to China town for some dinner then drove to the Jefferson Monument along the banks of the Tidal Basin and watched the sun set over the Potomac River.  We took a walk along the water’s edge on our way to the FDR Memorial and ended our day’s journey with  a quiet and reflective walk along the still waters of the Tidal Basin with reflections of monuments, buildings and the stars shimmering besides us.

The White House

The Washington Monument 

The Washington Monument is the tallest building in Washington DC.  It stands 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches and is 55 feet wide.  WOW!!  1/3 of the monument is a different color because war broke out and they ran out of money to finish.  After the war, they finished the monument with a different stone.  Construction lasted from 1783 to 1880.  It cost a total of $1,187,710.  At the top there are 2 windows on each side.  One cool fact is that it weighs 90854 lbs.  There are also 50 flags around the base of the monument.  Being at the top of the monument is an exhilarating experience.  If you ever go to Washington DC you would never want to miss the big Washington Monument!

--Jason

The Capital

The Capital was very calm and peaceful.  The amazing architecture seemed to prosper.  We waked through the streets of astounding beauty.  The House of Reps and Senate filled the streets with the feeling of Justice.  The federal officer offered a sense of security for such a beautiful city.  The Capital was beautiful and amazing.  The inside of the capital was full of art and architecture depicting America.  There were many statues and paintings of presidents and famous people from America.  The building was large and included many separate rooms and domes.

--Ted

Portrait Gallery


Today we went to the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. The first section my group went to was "Portraiture Now" where there was photography of current celebrities and their biographies. That was one of my favorite sections. The second floor exhibited the portraits of the presidents & The Struggle for Justice. The Struggle for Justice showcased paintings and photographs of the different ways our country has delt with social injustices. Along with the president's portraits, there were portraits of their families. That was also one of my favorite exhibitions. The 3rd level had the portraits of famous sports players and entertainers. It was called "Brava!". This will be one of my favorite memories from this trip. 

--Natalie

National Archives

Today we went to many places including the National Archives.  In the National Archives there are many important historical documents that included the Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation.  In order to preserve the important documents, they keep the light, humidity, and temperature at a low level.  Later on in the tour they showed how they gathered intelligence in the military and what they had gathered.

--Henry

The Museum of Natural History

The National Museum of Natural History was one of the most inciting and intelligent museums I have ever seen.  The astounding replicas and artifacts really help explain the creatures being depicted.  The exhibits were astounding as well.  The interactive stations also helped get a better understanding of our past.

--Ted

Jefferson Memorial

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

Today we went to the FDR Memorial and it was very elaborate.  There are four rooms in an open air, rock formation section across from the Jefferson Memorial.  The first room had a hard waterfall representing the tough times and it had people lining up to get food and a quote that talked about how 1/3 of the people were poor.  The second and third rooms were not as hard and painful- like.  The forth one had when FDR died and it was a little harder than the past 2 rooms.  Each room represents each one of the presidential terms.  It will be one of my favorite memories and in think that it was a good experience for us.

--Eric

Monday, May 9

After a long flight, we have arrived safely in Washington DC!  We had a fun filled and emotional day exploring many of the monuments detected to the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifices for our country, they gave up their lives.  We were all deeply touched and moved by what we were able to experience.

Upon arriving at Dulles International Airport, we met our guide and bus driver, had breakfast in Chantilly, VA and made our way to the Iwo Jima Marine Memorial.  Next we were off to Arlington National Cemetery to visit the grave sites of the Kennedy's, General Lee's house, and to honor the brave men who are buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers with a wreath.  Next, it was time to eat again so we made our way into DC to enjoy the many options provided by the Reagan Trade Center before heading by Luther Place Lutheran Church on our way to the Newseum to discover the role of the media in our history.  On our way out of DC we stopped by the Vietnam and Korean War memorials and were moved by their powerful images before heading to dinner in Arlington, VA.  Finally we stopped by the Pentagon 9/11 memorial for a time of reflection before making our way out to Alexandria, VA to our hotel.  We enjoyed singing a few songs with Pastor Larry, a time of reflection and devotion, and now have made it to bed, finally!

Personal Reflections on our day:

Iwo Jima Marine Memorial

The memorial was by sculptor Felix de Weldo and made of bronze.  It recreates the scene when 6 brave Americans raised our flag over Mt. Suribachi and is based on a photograph taken at the moment the flag was raised.  The memorial is 78 feet tall and it commemorates all the brave Marines who died in battle since 1775.  It was the Marine motto engraved as a reminder about who and what Marines stand for. 

--Alex

Arlington National Cemetery

Hello everybody!  Today we went to Arlington National Cemetery where we learned all about it.  The cemetery is HUGE and it has families of someone who served the country and people who served buried there.  Today we also saw the Changing of the Guard and Riley, Scott, Kalin and Maddy got to present a wreath to honor the soldiers buried in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.  The guards are very strict about their job and deserve the highest respect because they guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers.  Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week guards pace 21 steps one way then wait 21 seconds then they march 21 steps the other way.  It was a really cool and fun experience that I would love to see again.

--Morgan

Kennedy Grave sites

While we were visiting Arlington Cemetery, we visited the Kennedy gravesites.  There, they had a memorial for the Kennedy brothers: John, Robert, and Edward.  At President John F. Kennedy’s memorial site, he is resting next to his wife and his children.  There is a natural gas burning flame that symbolizes eternal life because the fire never goes out.  The grave of Robert Kennedy symbolizes Psalm 23 because it has the green hills and still waters mentioned in the Psalm.  Both have part of famous speeches made by each of them.  Because Edward isn’t remembered for any of his speeches, his grave is bare.

--Kalin

Newseum Museum

There was news from the beginning of news until today.  There was a 4-D movie that brought you from past to present in important times in news.  There also was interactive games which allowed you to become a news reporter and broadcast your report.

--Ryan

Korean War Memorial

There are 19 statues, a fountain, and a slab with words “Freedom Is Not Free.”  This means that many people gave their lives for our freedom.  The memorial was dedicated in 1995.

--Michael

Vietnam War Memorial

The Vietnam War Memorial is very moving.  As you look at the wall of names, your jaw drops because you realize just how many young men and women died in the war.  The statues are powerful and symbolic, in that they show how they worked together.

--Scott

Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

At the Pentagon 9/11 memorial there are 184 people remembered.  The youngest was 3 and the oldest was 71 years old.  The monument says the names on the ends of benches, representing people who were killed, if you are standing facing the Pentagon, then that person passed away inside it.  If the monument shows towards the sky, then that person passed away in the hijacked plane.  Underneath every bench is moving water which to me symbolizes life.

--Garrett