OLL 8th Grade Learns First Hand in DC

At Our Lady of the Lake School, we value learning by doing. One great way our students experience this is with our annual 8th grade trip to Washington, DC.  It was an amazing experience, and we are very proud of our students.  Our first stop on April 20 was at Gettsyburg, where we could see actual marks on the buildings from gunshots and cannonballs.  Seeing the battlefield and surrounding area, remembering the thousands who gave their lives, made us feel very grateful for our united country. 

In the District itself, we were able to visit many of the monuments, including the Jefferson, Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Washington monument itself.  We visited the Iwo Jima memorial, the Korean War memorial and the World War II memorial.  One very special part of the visit, and one that I will never forget, was the stop at the World War II memorial.  Right after we got off of our bus, another bus pulled up.  It was filled with veterans from World War II and the Korean War.  We lined the walkway as they came through and applauded them for their service.  We were able to shake hands, take pictures and give out some hugs.  It was truly a very special moment. 

Our visit to our Capitol building and to the White House made us all very proud.  The tour of the Capitol was extremely educational.  We were able to walk through and get some great pictures.    I am still left speechless every time I approach the White House.  Our visit was especially moving during this time of campaigning for an upcoming presidential election.

We were given a great deal to think about on our trip.  The phrase engraved on one of the walls at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, especially gave us food for thought.  It says that:  “Freedom is not free.”  Our visit to Arlington National Cemetery certainly reminded us of this.  The changing of the guard was something we will never forget.  What a special and memorable trip, one that we will always keep with us.