Hayden-Winkelman – Every year, thousands of students visit Washington D.C. to visit educational museums and historical sites as well as government buildings. It’s a great way to promote a clearer understanding of how government works and feel a deeper connection to the history of our nation.
On May 31, students Edward Aguirre, Melinda Marinez, Adriana Cruz, Julian Cruz, Aliyana Perez, Frankie Valencia, Angelita Casillas, Robert Casillas, Kayla Islava and Anthony Lopez traveled to Washington D.C. along with chaperone Angela Aguirre and sponsor Laura E. Lopez.
On the first day, they toured Fort McHenry, learning about key points in history that helped to shape our nation. Following the tour of the fort, the students visited the Smithsonian Complex which included the Natural History, American History and the National Air & Space Museum (NASM).
The recently remodeled Natural Museum of American History offers a hands-on science and invention center. At the Natural History Museum the students enjoyed viewing a prehistoric shark, an 80-foot dinosaur skeleton, and the Hope Diamond. The Natural History museum also boasts a great hands-on display where students can examine the skin, jaws and teeth of different animals. The NASM allows students to learn from the planetarium shows, which play several times a day, as well as the technology, history and science of aviation. Students can also tour the largest collection of air and spacecraft in the world.
On day two, the students toured Mount Vernon Plantation, George Washington’s home for more than 40 years. Washington’s tomb, a working blacksmith’s shop and the mansion where President Washington and his wife resided are just some of the attractions which were available to beguile eager young minds. They also visited the Holocaust Memorial Museum, where they learned some tough lessons about hatred and human dignity.
After lunch, students were able to visit the Arlington National Cemetery, in which student Melinda Marinez participated in the presentation of Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown. That same night students toured the Jefferson, Lincoln, Vietnam Veterans, Korean War, Martin Luther King and Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial.
Day three began with a tour at Capitol Hill followed by the National Archives where students viewed the U.S Constitution, Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Students closed out their day with a visit to the Gettysburg National Park.
Before heading back home, student visited the Washington National Cathedral and the Bureau-Engraving. Last but not least, the White House was the final stop of the trip.