The end of the school year has come and once again I’m a chaperone on the 8th grade field trip. This year we returned to Washington D.C. for actual sight seeing. Last year’s trip to the inauguration was quite an adventure, but I have to admit I liked the less populated experience better.

Our Hampstead students are a great bunch of kids. The teachers really try to instill in them a sense of national pride, and obligation to make a difference in our world. Sure, they’re eighth graders (13 & 14 year olds) but they’re fun to be with for three or four day trip. We have school policies about posting pictures of our students, so I’ve chosen pictures that only contain pictures of the places we saw, and my selfies.

We began our trip with a stop in Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell, and the first hall of congress. We’ve done the Philly stop three of the four trips I’ve been on. It’s always fun to see the kids marvel at the Ben Franklin press, and line up for the obligatory picture at the bell.

Upon arriving in DC,  our trip included some of the events from last year including a tour of the capitol, the National Air and Space Museum, the war memorials, and the Lincoln Memorial. We were fortunate to also add visits to Mt. Vernon and the White House to our itinerary. Janet and I had our first date in Washington DC in 1985. We were scheduled to see the White House that day, but because of a snow storm didn’t arrive early enough for our tour. The 33 year wait was well worth it. My only regret is the speed at which our students moved through the building. I really wanted to slow down and absorb the moment and appreciate the history made in these halls of the president. But we moved ever forward, with barely enough time for me to snap a photo to remember the experience. Foreign dignitaries were meeting with the President that day and we were fortunate to see a color guard march past us as we exited the White House.

Our trip to Mt. Vernon was later the same day, but we were given two hours to enjoy this gem. We split into small groups to explore the house and grounds. Walking through the halls of the first president was another trip backward in time. Regardless of wealth, I’m not sure I would have enjoyed living in the 18th century without my running water and Internet. Knowing I’m the tech director, our tour leader gave me a group of guys that leaned toward an inquisitive mindset. I have to say, I was blessed with this group of gentlemen as most were very interested in all aspects of the estate and were a pleasure to lead.

Our evening began with a visit to the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon. Like the New York memorial, it includes a water feature. Actually it includes many water features as there are benches with fountains for each of the people who died either in the plane, or from the impact. Our guide was there that day and shared his experience. It was a very solemn moment and our students learned a lot that evening.

Following the Pentagon we proceeded on a night-time tour of the monuments. Our group started at the Air Force memorial near the Pentagon, and proceeded to the WWII monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.  Each are beautifully lit at night and really give you a sense of awe and wonder of the nation’s capital.

Our final day in DC included a trip to the Arlington National Cemetery. The teachers and students had prepared a service of honor for the fallen son of a former principal of the middle school. The town is small, and though none of these students had her as a principal, the family was well known. I was amazed how quietly our students proceeded for nearly half a mile to the grave side. They respectfully performed their service. At the conclusion, a military band, preparing for an official service, marched by playing a hymn. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

We moved on to the tomb of the unknown soldier to view the changing of the guard, then finished our trip at the graves of Robert, Ted, and John F. Kennedy. We were tired, but very satisfied with all we’d seen and learned. I really do enjoy these trips with the students and staff. I see and learn about new things every time I go. I find it hard to believe that before turning 50, I’d only been to Washington D.C. once. Since moving here, I’ve returned three times. One more advantage to living in New England like a tourist.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” – Helen Keller