Let Loose in D.C.

The afternoon event was a visit to the Holocaust museum. It was amazing to see hundreds if people fill the four floors virtually in silence, reading and learning about the horrific events from that time period. This was a true gift for our kids to be at this place.

We departed for our final memorial stop by the Pentagon, which was the Air Force memorial. The three stainless steel spires stand over 270 ft. in the air and the position of them honors the victims killed in the Pentagon attacks on 9/11. The memorial location is the direct path where the plane flew that day 10 years ago.

After a brief dinner stop at a nearby mall we said a sad goodbye to our tour guide, Daniel. He was extremely complimentary about All the Kingsway tour groups and ours was no exception. All the parents can be very proud of their child on this trip. Everyone was timely and cordial and pleasant to be with the entire time.

We loaded the bus around 8:00. As of this writing it’s 9:30 and the bus is as quiet as its ever been.

A bright sun greeted us this morning as we checked out of our hotel at 7:30. We drove a short distance and ate breakfast at the Marine memorial. From there we went straight to the Washington memorial and experienced likely the top highlight of the trip for most. We arrived just in time to see Marine 1 land and depart with the President, while we were up in the memorial. Pictures are forthcoming.

After a walk to the north side of the White House we split up. the girls went to the zoo and the guys went to the Georgetown area and campus. Old Glory was supposed to be one of the best BBQ places in town and it did not disappoint. Although some students learned a lesson in budgeting and blew their per diem for the day.

From these balcony seats, Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed in Ford’s Theater. Our group was treated to a theatrical re-enactment that gave a whole new perspective into the audience who lived and watched this tragedy happen in 1865.

Did you know that Lincoln was shot on Good Friday? We all were very entertained by the facts and details that surrounded this event. We also toured the newly renovated basement museum. The kiddos were excited to see the gun that shot Lincoln, the bloody pillow that Lincoln’s head rested on when he died or even the suit jacket that Lincoln wore the night of the assassination.

Amazingly Kyle S. was able to bring his plastic shovel into the theater and bypass its two security checks…for some reason the Ford’s Theater security team did not want to confiscate this plastic shovel. Yes, I know you are all wondering why did he bring a plastic shovel to DC? But of course to dig for buried treasure like all good pirates do!

-Scoville

Our morning began getting connected with our tour guide, Daniel. Daniel is an experienced DC native and has experience working in the executive branch of the government going all the way back to Kennedy. We’re hearing lots of insider stories as the students of history in the group soak up everything he says.

Our visit to Arlington cemetery was an amazing experience. Too numerous memorials to mention here. The highlight though was the tomb of the unknown soldier. Everyone’s camera was rolling as we were there for the changing of the guard. An average of 20-30 funerals happen everyday in Arlington.

We pulled in to McD’s 25 miles outside DC around 6:00 AM. Tanner’s grandma made homemade cinnamon roles which were enjoyed by most. Serious yum!

Everyone waited their turn in the crowded bathrooms and got changed and ready for the day. First stop, 1600 PA Ave. Mr. Scoville said our chopper ride from the White House is at 8:00.

Tonight’s the night!  KCS 8th graders and chaperones make the all-night trek to D.C. 

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