Monday, June 20, 2022

We Made It To D.C. - Day 1 & 2

 Sunday, June 19, 2022

    Students departed the Des Moines airport early Sunday morning and arrived in Baltimore, MD around 3:30 PM. The group then met up with the tour bus driver Rob Taylor and loaded up their luggage and headed into Washington D.C. Dinner was held on cruise boat where the states of Texas and South Carolina were also in attendance. After eating a nice meal students had a dance party on the boat, while simultaneously cruising the Potomac River. 







Monday, June 20, 2022

    Students began the morning by attending Youth Day where they heard from multiple Blue Shirts and their experiences with Youth Tour. Then, keynote speaker Mike Schlappi then spoke to students about his message titled "If You Can't Stand Up, Stand Out!" In short, his message is about overcoming what happens to you and making the most of it, while remaining positive. As a paraplegic, he knows that all too well. Mike kept students engaged as they laughed at his jokes throughout his speech. What an inspiration Mike is and a great message he has to share with others!



    Lunch was eaten at Ben's Chili Bowl, a local eatery where D.C. hospitality was highlighted!


(Iowa loves Ben's Chili Bowl!)


    The afternoon was spent visiting monuments and memorials around Washington D.C. with our guide, Amy Gold. Amy has a wealth of knowledge about each and every monument and memorial and was able to tell about all of the ins and outs of Washington D.C. 

    A few of the monuments and memorials visited included:


United States Air Force Memorial




The Lincoln Memorial




Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial




Thomas Jefferson Memorial




World War II Memorial


    Supper was held at Hill Country BBQ and then students headed back to the hotel to play games in the game room of the hotel and had the chance to buy snacks from the D.C. Munchie Cooperative. 






- Hollie Nelson
  2022 Iowa Youth Tour Intern




 


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