For some reason beyond my comprehension, our daily blog posts are out of order. plese scroll around to track our progress in order! We had a great time and I hope by now we have all recovered.
Congratualations to Justin Korth on being selected as Nebraska's Youth Leadership Council Representative and to Jaki Kreikemeier for being selected to write an article on this year's Youth Tour to appear in the Rural Electric Nebraskan.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Day 5--Mt. Vernon and the Sunset Parade
8000 acres is a big farm even by today's standards, but in the 1700's is was
A tremendous endeavor. George Washington's original estate encompassed over 8000 acres and now about 600 acres are preserved by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and are open to the public. We visited the estate Tuesday morning and were able to walk through our first Presidents gardens and through his home. The view from the back portico of the home was a highlight for many of us. A beautifully preserved view of the Potomac River valley as George and Martha Washington would have seen it makes you want to just sit down and stay for ever. This is one place you will want to ask about!
When we started this trip there were several that were adamant that they were not going to eat anything "weird" or any seafood, but we did have some converts. Calamari is now on the "must have" list rather than the "gross" list for most...not all. Believe it or not, but the Fish Market was their favorite place to eat! I was so set on having them try seafood I even let them order market price crab legs if they so desired!
We then traveled to Arlington Cemetery. We had the opportunity to see the Kennedy grave sites, JFK, Bobby and Edward. We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, saw the memorials to those lost in a the two tragic space shuttle disasters and revered at the many men and women whose lives are commemorated in stone here. Audey Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of all time, Is buried in Arlington...did you know your kids don't know who he is! The cemetery left an impression on all of them.
Our final stop for the day was at the US Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima). We watch the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corp perform and march in front of the memorial and then witnessed an impressive presentation of skill and discipline as the silent drill team twirled and marched with their 10 lb rifles, complete with bayonets attached. It was complete precision with no audible or visual commands. I heard a lot of " wows!" form the kids.
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A tremendous endeavor. George Washington's original estate encompassed over 8000 acres and now about 600 acres are preserved by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association and are open to the public. We visited the estate Tuesday morning and were able to walk through our first Presidents gardens and through his home. The view from the back portico of the home was a highlight for many of us. A beautifully preserved view of the Potomac River valley as George and Martha Washington would have seen it makes you want to just sit down and stay for ever. This is one place you will want to ask about!
When we started this trip there were several that were adamant that they were not going to eat anything "weird" or any seafood, but we did have some converts. Calamari is now on the "must have" list rather than the "gross" list for most...not all. Believe it or not, but the Fish Market was their favorite place to eat! I was so set on having them try seafood I even let them order market price crab legs if they so desired!
We then traveled to Arlington Cemetery. We had the opportunity to see the Kennedy grave sites, JFK, Bobby and Edward. We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, saw the memorials to those lost in a the two tragic space shuttle disasters and revered at the many men and women whose lives are commemorated in stone here. Audey Murphy, one of the most decorated soldiers of all time, Is buried in Arlington...did you know your kids don't know who he is! The cemetery left an impression on all of them.
Our final stop for the day was at the US Marine Corps Memorial (Iwo Jima). We watch the US Marine Drum and Bugle Corp perform and march in front of the memorial and then witnessed an impressive presentation of skill and discipline as the silent drill team twirled and marched with their 10 lb rifles, complete with bayonets attached. It was complete precision with no audible or visual commands. I heard a lot of " wows!" form the kids.
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Our Last Day
The week seemed to fly by. So hard to believe it is over already. No time for touring today just breakfast at McDonalds with friends from South Carolina, Hawaii, Kansas, and Mississippi and then off to the airport. It was quiet trip home...these are tired kids! As we made our final approach into Omaha the excitement of returning home was tempered by the view of the flooding of the Missouri River. Seeing the many farms under water struck a cord with these rural kids. It was quite a site and it wasn't just a picture on a TV screen.
To the parents, James and I were honored that you entrusted your children to us for this special week. They are amazing young adults!
To our sponsoring rural electric systems, thank you for your forward thinking in sponsoring these outstanding young people on this eye opening trip of a lifetime.
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To the parents, James and I were honored that you entrusted your children to us for this special week. They are amazing young adults!
To our sponsoring rural electric systems, thank you for your forward thinking in sponsoring these outstanding young people on this eye opening trip of a lifetime.
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Location:Our Last Day
Capitol Hill--Day 6
Gentlemen in shirts and ties(Cole impressed us all in his suit!), ladies in their business best, we headed for Capitol Hill. Now I feel it important to mention that we met in the lobby of the hotel at 6:45 a.m. EST, for those who live in the Mountain time zone that is 4:45 a.m.! I am pleased to say that we were all on time and ready to take the METRO (subway) from Virginia to the District of Columbia.
It really didn't take long for the group to master the METRO system, even making train transfers with ease during rush hour.
We participated in a 41-year-old Nebraska tradition of the Nebraska Breakfast. Each Wednesday the Nebraska delegation hosts a breakfast for anyone who is visiting from Nebraska. All of the Congressional Delegation Participates and they take turns introducing guests at the breakfast. Our YLC delegate Justin Korth introduced our group at the breakfast.
Then it was on to serious business. For the next 2.5 hours we had individual meetings with Senators Nelson and Johanns and Representatives Smith and Fortenberry. This was the student's opportunity to ask their members of Congress about issues important to them...and folks, let me tell you, they didn't ask simple questions, they asked about social security, the budget and health care, among others, You should be very proud, I know I was!
A little more touring was to follow. We still had so much to see. The Library of Congress and the Supreme Court and then finally Union Station before heading back to the hotel so the kids could go the All States Dinner Dance, hosted and chaperoned by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association....Did the kids have fun? Let's see, more than 1500 kids, loud music, food they love...Yea I'd say they had a good time! I do have to admit, the quiet break for James and I was not a bad thing either!
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Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Day 4 Monday with a little bit of Day 5
I'm already too tired to type so here are a few words from the kids.
Kami
I really enjoyed getting to tour the US Capitol for the first time with Congressman Smith! I also enjoyed being able to tour all of the monuments that are on the National Mall.
Jaki
Yesterday we had a blast touring the mall! We got to see all of the museums. At night we went to visit Congressman Smith and we got to see where president George Washington was supposed to be buried.
Heather
Touring the mall was amazing. Seeing the different museums were really cool, then when we traveled to Capitol Hill with a private tour from Congressman Smith is something you will never forget.
Kerisa
Enjoyed getting to see everything at the Smithsonian. It was awesome! Loved getting to stand on the Speaker's balcony where the presidents give the inaugural speeches.
Eric
Seeing all the things on the National Mall was real cool. The Declaration of Independence was my favorite thing. The grand night tour of the capitol building was super cool since not very many people get to do that.
Rylie
I loved seeing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Smithsonian Museums were really fun because I got to see tons of things that I never had and always wanted to. I also learned a lot at the Natural History Museum.
Andrea
The Capitol building was by far the best. Getting to go on the Speaker's balcony and see that view of the city was really cool, an opportunity of a lifetime. National Archives was also very interesting. It was awesome to think of all the people that it took to make our nation's history so great.
Cole
Getting to go in the chamber where the House of Representatives meet was awesome, probably one of the the coolest things we will get to do. I also got to take a picture with R2D2 In the American history building which made my day.
Whitney
The National Mall was probably my favorite part so far. We went to the Air and Space Museum and took a ride on the flight simulators. I got to see the Hope Diamond and there was a lot of cool stuff in the art museum. Today we went to Arlington Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard ceremony,which was really awesome and probably one of the neatest things we have witnessed so far!
Zach
I got to see the hope diamond and getting to go in the chamber where the house meets was awesome. I thought that the changing of the guard was awesome and I like the Air and Space Museum, the fighter jet simulator was awesome. The Sunset Parade was very interesting. The metro was a very cool experience. I also liked the different varieties of food there is to eat here. I really wish I had more time for other things.
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I'm already too tired to type so here are a few words from the kids.
Kami
I really enjoyed getting to tour the US Capitol for the first time with Congressman Smith! I also enjoyed being able to tour all of the monuments that are on the National Mall.
Jaki
Yesterday we had a blast touring the mall! We got to see all of the museums. At night we went to visit Congressman Smith and we got to see where president George Washington was supposed to be buried.
Heather
Touring the mall was amazing. Seeing the different museums were really cool, then when we traveled to Capitol Hill with a private tour from Congressman Smith is something you will never forget.
Kerisa
Enjoyed getting to see everything at the Smithsonian. It was awesome! Loved getting to stand on the Speaker's balcony where the presidents give the inaugural speeches.
Eric
Seeing all the things on the National Mall was real cool. The Declaration of Independence was my favorite thing. The grand night tour of the capitol building was super cool since not very many people get to do that.
Rylie
I loved seeing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Smithsonian Museums were really fun because I got to see tons of things that I never had and always wanted to. I also learned a lot at the Natural History Museum.
Andrea
The Capitol building was by far the best. Getting to go on the Speaker's balcony and see that view of the city was really cool, an opportunity of a lifetime. National Archives was also very interesting. It was awesome to think of all the people that it took to make our nation's history so great.
Cole
Getting to go in the chamber where the House of Representatives meet was awesome, probably one of the the coolest things we will get to do. I also got to take a picture with R2D2 In the American history building which made my day.
Whitney
The National Mall was probably my favorite part so far. We went to the Air and Space Museum and took a ride on the flight simulators. I got to see the Hope Diamond and there was a lot of cool stuff in the art museum. Today we went to Arlington Cemetery and watched the changing of the guard ceremony,which was really awesome and probably one of the neatest things we have witnessed so far!
Zach
I got to see the hope diamond and getting to go in the chamber where the house meets was awesome. I thought that the changing of the guard was awesome and I like the Air and Space Museum, the fighter jet simulator was awesome. The Sunset Parade was very interesting. The metro was a very cool experience. I also liked the different varieties of food there is to eat here. I really wish I had more time for other things.
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Sunday, June 12, 2011
Day 2 On the Road Again!
Day one. They started out as a quiet bunch , buT that didn't last long.
Day two started a little off, we expected our long time tried and true driver Ms. 'G' and we were disappointed to find we had different driver, but after a short delay when our replacement driver went to the wrong hotel to pick us up we were on the road to Gettysburg PA and everything was going ok. The movie and cyclorama were awesome! Who needs today's technology anyway! Who would have thought a simple painting could seem so real. Lunch with Miss Betty was a trip to the past, the ghosts in Gettysburg do have a story to tell. We followed the three day battle of Gettysburg with our licensed battlefield guide Richard. Standing at the top of little round top provided the most spectacular view of the battlefield. The beautiful view today is a stark contrast to what was seen on July 3, 1863.
Heading to Washington DC for real...after traveling first through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania we finally make our way into the District of Columbia and our Nation' Capital.
The Jefferson, FDR and Air Force Memorials are the first set of memorials that we will visit at night. We sat at the edge of the tidal basin taking in the glow of the Washington Monument as a thunderstorm lit up the night sky (miles and miles away!) behind it. It was a beautiful night.
You can see picture of our days in Washington DC at http://photos.youth tour.smugmug.com. Go to the 2011 Youth Tour Gallery and find Nebraska.
We will post pictures every night!
Day two started a little off, we expected our long time tried and true driver Ms. 'G' and we were disappointed to find we had different driver, but after a short delay when our replacement driver went to the wrong hotel to pick us up we were on the road to Gettysburg PA and everything was going ok. The movie and cyclorama were awesome! Who needs today's technology anyway! Who would have thought a simple painting could seem so real. Lunch with Miss Betty was a trip to the past, the ghosts in Gettysburg do have a story to tell. We followed the three day battle of Gettysburg with our licensed battlefield guide Richard. Standing at the top of little round top provided the most spectacular view of the battlefield. The beautiful view today is a stark contrast to what was seen on July 3, 1863.
Heading to Washington DC for real...after traveling first through Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania we finally make our way into the District of Columbia and our Nation' Capital.
The Jefferson, FDR and Air Force Memorials are the first set of memorials that we will visit at night. We sat at the edge of the tidal basin taking in the glow of the Washington Monument as a thunderstorm lit up the night sky (miles and miles away!) behind it. It was a beautiful night.
You can see picture of our days in Washington DC at http://photos.youth tour.smugmug.com. Go to the 2011 Youth Tour Gallery and find Nebraska.
We will post pictures every night!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Day 3
Talk about a full day! We started our Sunday morning at the Nation's church, Washington National Cathedral. After an inspiring walk through the Bishop's Garden we did a quick walk around the massive cathedral looking for the elusive Darth Vader gargoyle. While he has been captured in the past, he managed to avoid being caught on film by the 2011 YT Class. Services were long, There were 11 baptisms. Even so, did we enjoy the grandeur of the nave and the opportunity to walk around the cathedral following services.
Since I starved the kids before church we had a large brunch afterward at the Cactus Cantina. The meals were big enough that even Zach was full when we left.
One of the most important stops on on tour of Washington DC is the US Holocaust Museum. Even though we spend more than two hours there, it is not nearly enough time to absorb all that the museum has to offer. Even though it was a very somber visit, I expect that most of the kids will list it as one of their favorite parts of the trip.
Later...
Once again, lightning filled the sky and we were chased away from the Washington Monument by Park Rangers for fear of lightning strikes. Safety first always! But the quick storm turned our hot weather into beautiful weather. The rest of the evening was cool and beautiful so our time under the night sky at the Korean, Lincoln, and Vietnam Memorials was comfortable and inspiring.
Don't forget to check out our pictures on smugmug! We will start posting pictures with the blog on day 4.
Since I starved the kids before church we had a large brunch afterward at the Cactus Cantina. The meals were big enough that even Zach was full when we left.
One of the most important stops on on tour of Washington DC is the US Holocaust Museum. Even though we spend more than two hours there, it is not nearly enough time to absorb all that the museum has to offer. Even though it was a very somber visit, I expect that most of the kids will list it as one of their favorite parts of the trip.
Later...
Once again, lightning filled the sky and we were chased away from the Washington Monument by Park Rangers for fear of lightning strikes. Safety first always! But the quick storm turned our hot weather into beautiful weather. The rest of the evening was cool and beautiful so our time under the night sky at the Korean, Lincoln, and Vietnam Memorials was comfortable and inspiring.
Don't forget to check out our pictures on smugmug! We will start posting pictures with the blog on day 4.
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