Ever since we first heard about the Washington, D.C. trip at the beginning of middle school, my grade had anxiously awaited the day we would fly to our great country’s capital in April. Our elevated expectations were completely fulfilled by the perfectly executed itinerary of our English and history teacher, Jeff Hendricks. As our group of 33 Providence students toured the busy city, we were carefully led from dawn to dusk, touring historic sites, memorials, museums, and buildings of the hard-working citizens who lead our country.   

The trip began in Williamsburg, with each parent leading their group of four or five students around the historic colonial town. With my group, I observed a colonial reenactment, watched the silversmith make silverware and jewelry, visited the quaint shops, and learned about the disease-curing abilities of colonial medicine. As we walked through the houses of former presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, we spotted valuable antiques, the unique style, and exceptional portraits. We imagined Jefferson in his candlelit library reading a book in his chair and pictured Washington allotting various tasks around the plantation to his numerous workers. We then moved on to another important historical location: Gettysburg. Although the rainy weather confined us to our bus for the majority of the tour of the battlefield, we enjoyed listening to the guide. We learned a great deal, hearing the guide’s interesting facts, knowledge of the area, and humor along with information about statues of generals.

After learning about the various wars in class, it was interesting to see the memorials that our country had constructed as a reminder for future generations, especially when we visited Washington, D.C. Seeing the Arlington National Cemetery, which is filled with nearly 300,000 white marble tombstones, reminded us of the men and women who have fought for our country and our freedom. The cemetery also makes us remember to be grateful for the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted. At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, we were not only able to see the trained soldier walk according to the rhythm, but we were also given the honor of presenting a wreath, which was decorated with ribbons displaying our school name. I will always remember watching the three Providence students walking alongside a soldier down the steps to the tomb, where they set the wreath on a stand.

Later, we were reminded of the horrific acts of persecution and murders that have happened, especially the Holocaust. At the beginning of the tour, the guide at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum gave background on the government system in Germany and its persistent, unspoken prejudice towards the Jewish race. The museum depicted what happened each year during the Jewish persecution. Although many lost their lives, there are recorded stories of people who successfully hid Jews in their homes. Corrie ten Boom contributed to this success, hoping to save some people from the tyranny of the German government. In one of her better-known books, "The Hiding Place," Corrie ten Boom writes that “in darkness God’s truth shines most clear.” Another favorite in our nation’s capital was the Newseum. This seven-level museum contains part of the Berlin Wall, daily front pages of more than 80 worldwide newspapers, and a moving exhibition of the September 11 attack. I was able to hear personal experiences of the 9/11 attacks from two of the chaperones on the trip, one of whom was actually in Manhattan at the time. On a two-story wall, covered with different front pages about the terrorist attack, the museum exhibited different headlines from multiple countries, including the United States, Japan, and China.

Though some argue over whether the Capitol or The White House is the most important building in the U.S., all can agree that these two buildings are well-crafted. Before we toured the Capitol, we were privileged to meet a fellow Texan, U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions, and ask him some questions. After our meet-and-greet with Congressman Sessions, we met with lawyer Kelly Shackelford, who allowed us to enter the Supreme Court. Shackelford told us about some of his cases, and the tour guide outlined a typical day when the Court was in session. We also learned that there is actually a higher court than the Supreme Court... the basketball court, located above the courtroom. Due to the federal budget crisis, we were unable to tour the West Wing of the White House. However, one of the chaperones who had worked in the Bush Administration was able to tell us about the White House and the surrounding buildings.

After walking nearly everywhere for seven days, waiting for three hours in our plane for bad weather to pass, and living in tight quarters with my peers, I was definitely exhausted after the trip. Despite my exhaustion, I enjoyed seeing all the different museums and sites that we had learned about in class. Our historical trip was also one last fun experience for us to have as a grade before we all moved on to high school. I strongly encourage everyone to visit our nation’s capitol at least once. And, as a helpful tip from all the girls, bring comfortable shoes!

McKenna Coulter graduated from Providence Christian School Class Eight in May. She will attend Ursuline Academy in the fall.