Not the kind of traffic we'd like to see after a long day (three days, actually) of traveling. But, my map says the roadway may thin out a little soon.
It's been a great three days, and the kids have been great. Thanks for all of your support.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Just About Ready To Leave
A 15 minute delay on the Air Tran flight isn't so bad, right? We should be able to make that right up.
Walk of Honor
The Changing of the Guard Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery is quite a memorable experience. The deeply moving and highly symbolic ceremony occurs every thirty minutes during visiting hours, and if you're lucky enough to be on the steps in front, it is powerful and mesmerizing. However, if you happen to stand on the right side, way in back on the balcony, you can get a unique perspective.
Here, the soldier coming to relieve the guard on duty takes the long, solitary walk to his post. Even though very few people are watching, he still walks at an even pace, gliding along the marble, and maintaining the honor and symbolic traditions of this ceremony
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Old Glory
So, this was a new experience. Another school group (and a few Parker students on the right side) at the American History Museum participated in a flag ceremony in which they unfurled an enormous American flag in the lobby. Then, spontaneously, everyone in the museum began singing the National Anthem.
Too Cute
This cute paddling of ducks perhaps has captured the attention of the students more than anything else. We came across them on Constitution Ave., as Mama Duck was trying to coax her little ducklings down off of a three foot ledge. Eventually, they all took the plunge, flopping and rolling to their mother's side. Then, they all huddled together at the stairs as tourists snapped away with their cameras.
Morning Monuments Tour
This morning half of Bus #2 went on a tour of three of the most recognizable monuments in the city - the Vietnam Wall, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial. Currently, it's not too hot and not too crowded - perfect conditions for learning a little something about our nation's history and honoring those who served.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sun Sets on Our First Day
It's just about 9pm, and we're just about ready to head to our hotel for the night. The kids are both excited and exhausted, but my guess is they'll wind down pretty quickly.
Around 10pm, we'll put them in for the night, and with hope, all early morning wake up calls will be successful.
See you all tomorrow.
More Dessert
On a whim, Mr. Lyons thought it might be fun to interrupt our evening monument tour to head across town to the famous Georgetown Cupcake. I'm sure he let them know about 80 middle schoolers would be descending on them this evening...
The First of Many Monuments
I'd like to think it's MLK's inspiring words etched on the stone behind them that draws these students to this wall. More likely, though, is the 90°+ heat from all the sun-drenched marble and granite in this monument that inspires them to seek a modicum of shelter and relief.
Lunch Time
It's always an interesting experience watching the students out in the world. There are those who are confident and outgoing - the ones who look forward to places like the Capitol Visitor Center, where there are many, many food choices, and just as many students their age from other schools from around the country. Others seem befuddled by all the activity.
Usually, our students present themselves well - both in terms of behavior and manners. Most times they keep to themselves, but there are always a few who love to take these times to meet as many kids as possible. They strike up conversations, and say hi to each other as they pass by one another throughout the week at all the usual monuments and memorials. So far, we've met schools from Ohio and Ashland, MA, and I'm sure there will be many more by the week's end.
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