Capital Adventure for '19

The GA eighth grade recently went on a 3-day trip to Washington, DC. During those days, we got to visit many famous memorials (Lincoln, World War II, MLK, FDR, etc.), museums (Art, Holocaust, Newseum), Arlington National Cemetery, and even a fun improv show at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. SHEER MADNESS!

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was one of the sights the Class of 2019 took in.

My favorite museum that I visited would have to have been the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Although it does have a dark theme to it, the impact it can give is really true to itself. It’s not just like any other museum where you just gaze and leave. It is a place to reflect and to
empathize.

My favorite memorial was the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It consists of two right triangular walls of black granite. Written on them are the names of accounted soldiers who died while fighting the war. It may seem a bit dull at first, especially when it can be compared to the Lincoln Memorial,
but it really brought out another dark and powerful theme. You can sense the dark peace when you stand before it; it leaves everyone in silence.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Vinit's favorite in Washington.

Seeing Arlington National Cemetery and the Eternal Flame was also a wondrous experience. Never having visited a cemetery before, I felt a strange sense of awe when I saw tons of tombstones

The changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

glistening in the sun. I also got to see the changing of the guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns, which had been taking place during a few of the funerals held there.

All in all, the trip gave me a sense of peace and reflection. I have been able to take a lot from it, and I hope rising 8th graders will be able to as well!​

~ Vinit J. ‘19