Monday, January 19

It was cold and cloudy, and our first stop was the Washington Monument. We couldn't go up to the (indoor) observation deck, because there was a problem with the elevator. But we took a group photo outside, and it started to snow! It was the first time ever to see snow for some of them.

Here's a little video I got as we got off the bus--it was early and they were not quite up for the brisk walk.

VIDEO COMING SOON

Then, we walked to the World War II Memorial

Next, we walked past the White House for a picture stop. We couldn't get any closer than this, because so many streets and walkways were blocked off. Here are all the boys.

We were close enough, however, to see sharpshooters on the roof. These guys were on rooftops all over the city.

A short drive up the hill to Arlington National Cemetery, where we wanted to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This was as close as I got to the changing of the guard, but I've seen it before.

I did give the camera to a student to try to get some video of the guard.

VIDEO COMING SOON

While we were visiting the Kennedy family gravesites, it started to snow again.

After lunch, we visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum. This was something that the kids specifically asked if we could do when we first planned this trip last year. (I like to think it was because my superior teaching piqued their interest.)

Candles to honor victims in the Hall of Rememberance

Then, it was back down the National Mall where we attempted to visit the Lincoln Memorial. Unfortunately, it was too crowded, and there was heavy equipment and scaffolding all around after Sunday's concert. This was as close as we could get. Hopefully we can go back tomorrow.

Last stop was the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. the POW-MIA flag flies at both locations.

Two students are searching for the name of a family member--a great uncle named Ronnie Joe Hoffmann. She found the name and made a rubbing for her grandmother.