Exploring History Visiting America’s Capital
By Jen Horrigan
The annual fall trip to Gettysburg and Washington, DC is a longstanding November Break tradition and mixes history, politics and fun. Our group of students successfully crossed the border into New York state on Wednesday afternoon, bound for Destiny USA shopping mall in Syracuse, New York. 37 teens and one of the biggest malls in America made for an evening of fun where students and staff dined, bowled, shopped and laughed before making their way to the hotel for much needed rest.
The next day, with an early departure for Gettysburg, was like taking a step back in time. The famed civil war battleground has been meticulously maintained and the guides who devote themselves to educating visitors are experts on the civil war. Viewing the Pickett's Charge Cyclorama is always a highlight as the massive oil painting and light show places you right in the middle of the action. With a chance to explore the grounds and see the terrain students see how the land influenced the outcome of the battle in Gettysburg, a turning point in the war. From Gettysburg, it was on to Washington, DC to explore the centre of American government.
Day three marked the first time the group ventured into downtown Washington. The morning began with a stop at the Pentagon to pay respects at the 9/11 Memorial. The sheer size of the Pentagon left students in awe and at 9:47 am (the exact time of the attack on the Pentagon) the group stood in the memorial, learning about and reflecting on the lives that were lost. From the Pentagon, students explored some of the Smithsonian museums with many students learning at the Air and Space Museum, the Hirshhorn Gallery and the National Gallery of Art. After a tasty lunch and views of the beautifully restored Union Station, the group enjoyed a visit to the interactive and incredibly informative Newseum, which is always a trip highlight. Whether it is seeing the Berlin Wall close up, trying your hand at anchoring the news or reporting the weather, or seeing the gallery of Pulitzer Prize winning photos, the Newseum offers more than you can see in just one trip and the two hours spent there went too fast. Dinner provided an opportunity to dress up for a night at the theatre. The Kennedy Centre is a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, and is a National Arts Centre that provides a stage for the greatest performances in America. While there, students were treated to a performance of the longest running play in America, Shear Madness. This hilarious murder mystery play offers lots of laughs. A highlight was when Lakefield's own Grade 9 student, Rory Cameron was called up on stage to perform.
November 11 is Veteran's Day in the USA and it is only fitting that the students honoured those who serve with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery for the laying of the wreath. With President Trump away on a tour of Asia, Vice President Mike Pence was on hand to participate in the ceremony and address the crowd. Our students demonstrated great respect and patience throughout the ceremony, despite the cool temperatures. The day went on to include a tour of the Capitol, visits to the Museum of Natural History and Museum of American History and dinner and shopping in beautiful and vibrant Georgetown.
The trip drew to a close on Sunday with a visit to John F. Kennedy's gravesite and Robert E. Lee's Arlington House, a photo-op at the White House, a moving visit to the Holocaust Museum, one more chance for shopping before the dinner at the famed Hard Rock Cafe and a beautiful tour of Washington's memorial and monuments lit up at night. Standing at the Lincoln Memorial where Martin Luther King spoke to millions, reading the timeless words of the Declaration of Independence at the Jefferson Memorial, seeing the beauty of light and water combined at the WWII memorial and viewing the Washington Monument and US Capitol shining in the distance, one could not help but be taken by the beauty and impressiveness of the city. It may have been a busy break weekend, but the opportunities for fun and experiential learning made it a trip to remember.
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4391 County Road 29, Lakefield Ontario K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 admissions@lcs.on.ca
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Lakefield College School is a private, coeducational boarding and day school for students in grades 9 through 12, located in Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
We respectfully acknowledge that Lakefield College School is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations, which include: Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Lakefield College School respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
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