History Trip - Assumption takes over Washington, D.C.
History Trip - Assumption takes over Washington, D.C.
There are many places all over the world that are rich with history and the Washington trip was a great chance for history students at Assumption College to learn something new and important about one of these places. The trip started with a splash, including an early morning check-in and a long bus ride; well maybe not exactly the most amusing start, but when everyone did wake up, the bus was full of conversations filled with excitement.
The stop for dinner was when the trip really began. The bus brought us to the location where the Battle of Gettysburg was fought. The fields we saw were covered in grass, appearing beautifully peaceful. To the people that knew their American history this obviously wasn't the case. Tributes were scattered all along the hills for those who fought and lost their lives in remembrance of the true horror that had occurred during the civil war.
A very important part of Washington's history is retained through memorials that have been erected to commemorate the presidents and people that have governed and lived in the United States. The architecture that covered the city was amazing, including memorials covered with columns and giant staircases. It all seemed to resemble ancient Greece and Rome. Some memorials, like the one for the Vietnam War, weren’t as pleasing to look at, but truly represented the war and the scar it left in American history.
Another unique experience that everyone on this trip had the privilege to experience was the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers at Arlington Cemetery. Seeing this enactment captured exactly what being American is; "no soldier left behind"; a great motto that their armies live by when fighting.
When the teachers told everyone we were going to a mall two days in a row, the excitement was visible, but when we arrived, ours feelings were mixed. Instead of shopping, we were able to enjoy something that would last much longer; the National Mall area made up of a number of museums free to the public. The Smithsonian Museums are absolutely breathtaking. A few that I was able to see included the Air and Space Museum, the American History Museum, the Natural History Museum and the most memorable for me, the Holocaust Museum. This museum was very well put together showing every aspect of the genocide. Real artifacts from the war were scattered throughout the exhibits. The knowledge gained from each of these museums will be taken with us now wherever we go.
These were just a few of my favourite highlights of the trip. This learning experience was a real treat and I hope to be able participate in many more travel adventures in the future.
Written By: Jenn Seal
