Tuesday

Up at 6:30 and to breakfast at 7:30. Again, the weather is cool and rainy, but we are kind of getting used to it. Returning to Florida will feel like a sudden heat wave.
We started our day at Arlington National Cemetery. We walked together through the rows and rows of white tombstones. Suddenly, the price of freedom becomes more than a number you memorize in class. We walked to the Custis-Lee mansion, but were unable to tour due to renovations! JFK eternal flame and RFK burial sites are a popular attraction, but I enjoy looking at less famous tombstones, and silently thanking them and their families for the sacrifice they made.
The changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier definitely fills you with awe and respect. It is so incredible to see otherwise rambunctious kids stand silently, some of them crying as taps is played and the 21 gun salute resounds in the distance.
We took a side trip to visit the grave of Alek Kosoff’s grandfather. What a great opportunity for students to see Alek place a flag in honor of his grandfather.
We traveled to Iwo Jima Memorial and had the great fortune to meet an actual veteran of this famous Pacific battle. He gave us further details of the men honored in the statues, and also some personal details of his experiences. He also had a vial of sand from the beaches of Iwo Jima. It is volcanic and black and not at all what I envisioned.
Next to the Washington Monument where we took the 70 second elevator up 555 ft to the top. What incredible views of the city!
Even though we were very hungry, the kids decided to go to the National Archives early so we could spend more time at the Smithsonians. It is always humbling to see the great documents of our nation displayed.
The Smithsonians have too much to list..highlights for me were a display of the First Ladies gowns. Many of the girls loved the gem rooms, where we had a chance to see the Hope Diamond as well as many other beautiful and rare gems.
We finished the day with an evening tour of the Vietnam, Korean and Lincoln Memorials. "Freedom is not Free"!!
Again, the students are behaving incredibly well. I have an awesome group of parent chaperones as well. Without them, this trip would not be as pleasant as it has been.
I end this evening in an incredibly patriotic mood. May God continue to bless America..