So I guess this is as good a time as any for a blog post about Wednesday.
The day started with the most powerful moments of the trip so far. We paid our respects to America's fallen servicemen and women at the Arlington National Cemetery and learned about the ceremonies and traditions related to a military burial. As they did at the memorials the students asked graceful questions and engaged the process with respect and responsibility. Our timing was a bit off, so we missed the Laying of the Wreath, but on the way back down the hill, we had the unique opportunity to witness from afar the burial of a high ranking Navy official. The casket was pulled by four white horses preceded by a marching brass quartet. The process sparked discussion amongst the student regarding how cultures revere their dead (dovetailing nicely with the Third Grade Exhibition today about the Ancient Egyptians.)
After Arlington, we drove into town for an exploration of one of the most interactive and informative museums in DC: the Newseum. Spread over six floors, the exhibits in the Newseum spur visitors to think about how they interact with the world: where and how do they get the information about the events and people that shape the world around them. We actually had to pull the students out so we could make our timed guided tour at the National Cathedral.
And that tour was quite special. Once again the students were blessed to have a gifted tour guide who understood the needs of adolescents and explained the architectural and social history of the cathedral with a perfect blend of humor, gravitas, and enthusiasm.
After a waistband-expanding buffet at Phillip's, we boarded the bus for the Verizon Center where at present the Wizards are down by fourteen with two minutes to go. I guess the gentleman behind me needs to exhort even more vociferously the home team to augment their efforts on the defensive end of the court. Or in other words... defense... defense
Talk to you tomorrow.
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