Thursday, June 23, 2022

Day 5 - Our Last Day of Touring in Washington D.C.

 Thursday, June 23, 2022


    This morning we ate breakfast at Crystal City Sports Pub and then headed toward the Washington National Cathedral. Although we didn't get a chance to tour inside, we did get to walk around outside and tour the grounds. As we were about to leave, we came upon a military funeral being held. We watched from a distance and honored the fallen hero. Many students noted how neat it was to watch. Once boarding the bus, we then headed for the Washington Monument. Standing 555 feet, 5 1/8 inches tall, we all rode the elevator to the very top of the monument. Once on the top floor, each side had 2 windows, with a total of 8 to look out from. The White House could be seen from the North side, Capitol Hill from the East, the Jefferson Monument from the South, and the Lincoln Memorial from the West. Students thoroughly enjoyed going to the top and getting to look out over Washington D.C. from all directions, as well as getting to know more about the monument and how it was built. 


    After riding the elevator back down to the bottom, students were able to explore the Smithsonian Museums in groups of three in the National Mall. Some of the museums that students went to included Air and Space, Natural History, American History, American Art, and the African American History and Culture Museum. Students ate lunch at various food trucks around the National Mall and then were able to explore for a little while longer. At 2:15 P.M. we all met at the National Archives Museum and looked at the original documents of The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and numerous other documents. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed, so no one got any pictures of those. 
    The final stop of the touring day was at the Holocaust Museum. What an eye-opening experience. This museum does a great job of telling what, how, and why this unfortunate event ever even took place. The 4 storied museum is emotional and moving all at the same time. Pictures, videos, audio recordings, and a handful of original pieces are on display throughout the museum. Ask any of the students, if you've never been before, it's a must-see stop while in D.C. 


    The night was finished out with the annual meeting of the D.C. Munchie Cooperative being held. Here, students conducted a meeting where the co-op was dissolved and any profits that were made, were paid out in dividends to each of the members. Students were able to see a full-circle process of how a cooperative operates. From becoming a member, to actively using its offered services, to seeing how this business model works, students now have a greater understanding of how and why cooperatives are successful in all that they do. 





Tomorrow, Friday we have an EARLY wake-up call. 3:00 A.M. to be exact. We will head for the Baltimore, MD airport and be loaded on a plane and headed back to Iowa by 6 A.M. Students have had a blast here in D.C. and made new friendships over these past seven days. It will be sad to see friends go at the airport in Des Moines, but if anything, these friendships will last a lifetime because of this trip. They'll stay in contact through social media, see one another throughout the state at events and conferences, and maybe even keep in constant contact with one another. Youth tour truly is a life-changing trip. It's obvious because these students are different people then who they were when we all met on Saturday evening in Des Moines. Youth Tour 2022 - you've been one for the books!


- Hollie Nelson
   2022 Iowa Youth Tour Intern


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