Wednesday - Day 3

Today, on the surface, would seem to be a depressing type of day. We started the day at Arlington National Cemetery. Here we got to observe the always impressive, Changing of the Guard. To see the discipline and dedication of the men and women who serve to protect and honor those who have served our country is moving. While there, they were preparing for President Obama. He came to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown about two hours after we left. Secret Service were preparing the police while we were there.

After we left Arlington, we stopped by the Pentagon and saw the newly opened 9-11 Memorial. It is a little different than other memorials around Washington, but the symbolism used by its designer is very interesting. You can tell by the change of tones in the stone what part had to be rebuilt. Helps make the event come to life.

After lunch, we took a quick detour and went inside the Library of Congress. Often times it is recognized as the most beautiful building in D.C. Here we got to take a quick look at the Reading Room, as well as the Gutenberg Bible. One of only five copies in the U.S. One, by the way, is at the University of Texas.

From here, we headed to the Holocaust Museum. I could not help but wonder how someone could possible hate a group of people so. It is hard to put into words this part of the trip. It is a must see if you are ever in D.C. and can best be summed up in the words of one of our students today after seeing the Museum: "Intense."

We ate dinner at the ESPN Zone. It was great not to eat in a food court. I think the boys liked the games the most.

To wrap up our evening, we took a trek to the Marines Memorial (AKA: Iwo Jima Memorial) and the Netherlands Carillon. Both have a very interesting history and provide a beautiful view of the Monuments and the Capital.

As we wrap up the day, our guide, Carol, reminded us of various Scriptures that remind us that God is with us in all situations. Some of these same verses are found in the various Holocaust Memorials throughout the world and were used by many Jews to get them through the awful atrocities they have faced over the years.

Today's Favorites:

• Troy - Changing of the Guard: "Precision"
• Brian - Seeing a four-star general at Arlington National Cemetery
• Marshall - Library of Congress: "It was a cool building."
• Clayton - Changing of the Guard: "I like the inspection."
• Thomas - Changing of the Guard: "I love the way the march in sync and that everything was done exactly the same."
• Dakotah - Changing of the Guard: "I thought how they inspected the gun was cool."
• EVERYONE - ESPN ZONE for food and games