It was so nice to not sleep in a dorm bed, where I woke up on a regular basis because it was so hard, but I still woke up with a back ache. I don't know if I should blame it on the air plane, the bus ride, or the weather, but I have been moving in slow motion. Breakfast was cold cuts, bread, and chocolate croissants. Yummy chocolate croissants.
Our first stop of the morning was at St. Mere Eglise. This small town was an important crossroads and essential for the Allies to control in order to move off of Utah Beach. Therefore, troops from the 101st airborne were dropped into the area to secure it. One of the paratroopers was caught on the steeple of the church and hung there for two hours while the battle waged beneath them. They have commemorated the event and story by hanging a metal man in the steeple.
The Airborne Museum is located in St. Mere Eglise and that was our next stop. This museum was much better than the ones we visited yesterday. There were a few planes to look at and good information about the airborne's roll in the invasion. The neatest part of the exhibit was called Operation Neptune. You enter the exhibit through an airplane filled with paratroopers, then step onto a glass floor where a battle is raging beneath you over the French countryside. There are several other dioramas in the exhibit, but that was the coolest.
There was also some pictures of the temporary cemeteries, and Eston was initially buried in St. Mere Eglise. I suddenly had a new quest. I had a picture of the cemetery plan on my phone, and knew the temporary cemetery was only about 500 feet from the civilian cemetery, which we had passed between the bus and the church, but I really didn't have time. They separate the adults and gage kids for a few minutes, and I am telling another adult about the cemetary. We get on the bus, and suddenly that adult yells "hey, there are two flags over here, do you think this is it?" We hurried over, and it was a marker for the original cemetary.
We boarded the bus again and traveled just a short distance to the La Fiere Bridge where there is a statue of Iron Mike. At each stop, we have students who do briefings about a topic related to the site and tied to their solider, and as the girl was talking about how the Germans had flooded the fields, it was neat to see exactly where the flooding had been to help develop a picture in our heads of what it was really like. Part of the memorial there is a 3d frieze laying out the countryside, and it is neat that so many buildings are still there as landmarks 70 years later.
We ate lunch on the bus: ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, and another chocolate croissant, and a coke! While we ate, we drove to Utah Beach. This is where the 4th division landed, and though they had drifted downstream, General Teddy Roosevelt, Jr., declared, "We'll start the war from here." Others have described him walking along the dunes that day as one of the most brilliant acts of bravery ever. I took my shoes off and walked in the cool water, and thought about what the Germans must have thought when they saw the invasion force appear over the horizon.
C gave her briefing on the importance of Cherbourg, the ultimate goal of the Utah Beach invasion, and the battle in which Eston died, and then we toured the Museum. This museum was also well done. The text was good and there were a lot of artifacts. I would have enjoyed it much more if my back had not been killing me so badly. We paid special attention to the 4th Division markers, but in regards to the museums, C has said she feels like they are all about the airborne and the pilots, to the point she asked if they were more important. I don't think they were more important, just more glamorous than a foot solider with a rifle like Eston.
We had two unscheduled stops. The first was a little church where two medics set up a field hospital. While the battle waged back and forth, they treated both Germans and Americans. After a few hours, they heard someone coming down the steps from the church tower, and a German sniper had been up there the whole time. The pews in the church are still stained with blood.
The cemetery at the little church was interesting, their grave stones are raised, and people attach little monuments in them "mon once," "mon amie," and so forth. We also noticed a stone that said "died defending our country" and the date was 1940, so that person had died when the Germans first invaded France.
Our second unscheduled stop was a place called Dead Man's Corner, and it was there that one of the student's soldier died.
Our final stop of the day was at Pointe du Hoc, a cliff the Rangers scaled to take out German guns. From that spot, the Germans could target both Utah and Omaha Beaches. I was afraid we would have to do some climbing, but we didn't. It was all flat ground on the path. However, the path had to wind around craters left from the bombings. There was a sign basically warning people to climb at their own risk.
We returned to the hotel and the plan was for half the teachers to have a night off and half to be with the kids. I took the kids, but only two went with us as the rest. Including C, wanted to go with the teacher from the institute. He said it was all right, so we only had two to deal with, and ended up only one of us actually watching them. Supper was smoked ham, scallops with bacon, and creme brûlée. We returned to the hotel and again enjoyed the adult company before turning in for the night.
Today's steps 18324
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
NI Day 7: Griffin Invades Normandy
We dozed on the bus after leaving the airport. I know the best way to adjust to time zone changes is not to sleep till nighttime on arrival day, but sleeping on the bus doesn't count. When we woke up, we were nearing Benouville, which is home to the Pegasus Bridge. The Pegasus Bridge was secured by British paratroopers during the night before the landing on the beaches. It is one example of everything going right for the Allies. Holding this bridge gave the British a way to get off the beaches. Our guide, Marc, was excellent. We ate at a Cafe that claims to be the first home liberated by the Allies. It was sandwiches and chips and a kit Kat bar. The owner was annoyed that we were late, but we couldn't control the airlines. The best was our coordinators arguing with our bus driver, who doesn't speak French, about the route. At one point, she drove around a roundabout three times.
The bridge over the canal has been reconstructed to look like the one from 1944, because the old one could not support modern traffic. The old one has been moved to the museum site. Also at the site is a replica of a glider plane, which was made of wood and the French farmers burned them to get them out of their fields. There is also a type of bridge that the Allies constructed to support tanks. This particularly interested me because my Papaw Duncan served with the 3rd Armored Engineers. The museum was good, the outside stuff excellent, but it's hard to appreciate museums when you are running on just a nap on the bus.
Stop number two was a museum built around a German bunker. It had a lot of stuff to look at, and the best was the view from the top. It allowed the Germans to see the beaches and call in coordinates to the artillery. An invasion was not a surprise for Germany. They had built fortifications along the coast called the Atlantic Wall, promising to throw the Allies back into the sea when the invasion came.
From there we checked into the hotel in Bayeux, the Novotel, a very American style place. We met with our kids, and ended up with a group of 7 adults with C and her best buddy she has made on this trip. We walked down to the pedestrian area and finally picked a place with a sign that said "Table de Terrior". It wasn't a terror. I had a vegetable soup, Normandy pork, which is a white apple cider sauce with mushrooms, and an apple tart with ice cream for dessert.
We strolled back to the room and the adults enjoyed adult beverages and conversation in the hotel lobby.
Today's step count: 12858
The bridge over the canal has been reconstructed to look like the one from 1944, because the old one could not support modern traffic. The old one has been moved to the museum site. Also at the site is a replica of a glider plane, which was made of wood and the French farmers burned them to get them out of their fields. There is also a type of bridge that the Allies constructed to support tanks. This particularly interested me because my Papaw Duncan served with the 3rd Armored Engineers. The museum was good, the outside stuff excellent, but it's hard to appreciate museums when you are running on just a nap on the bus.
Stop number two was a museum built around a German bunker. It had a lot of stuff to look at, and the best was the view from the top. It allowed the Germans to see the beaches and call in coordinates to the artillery. An invasion was not a surprise for Germany. They had built fortifications along the coast called the Atlantic Wall, promising to throw the Allies back into the sea when the invasion came.
From there we checked into the hotel in Bayeux, the Novotel, a very American style place. We met with our kids, and ended up with a group of 7 adults with C and her best buddy she has made on this trip. We walked down to the pedestrian area and finally picked a place with a sign that said "Table de Terrior". It wasn't a terror. I had a vegetable soup, Normandy pork, which is a white apple cider sauce with mushrooms, and an apple tart with ice cream for dessert.
We strolled back to the room and the adults enjoyed adult beverages and conversation in the hotel lobby.
Today's step count: 12858
Saturday, June 28, 2014
NI Day 6: Taking Over The Airport
Wednesday started with breakfast and lecture. Dr. Long gave an overview of the actual D-Day invasion and Dr. Arnesen talked about the home front. After lunch, we boarded our buses for the airport. I had never checked in with a group that big, and the way the attending wanted to do it, I think was confusing, but we did get checked in and next headed for security. I got in the line of the chatty guy at border control, who liked our shirts with the institute's logo on them, and made a true comment about D-Day. "My grandfather was there, but so was everyone's." Maybe not at D-Day, but it would be hard to find someone of that age who was not involved in the war in some form or fashion.
We found our gate and took over. A group of 34 tends to do that. Things were going so well till someone said they just got an email in Spanish that there was a flight delay. I looked up, and it had been delayed about an hour and a half due to storms in Houston. So, we sat a little longer. After all my airport adventures last year, you have to take it in stride. It was fun to watch all the people desperately running for their gate when the flight from Houston got in. They were announcing that they would check bags to make extra room for carry-ons, so I took advantage of not having to carry my carry-on. Both it and my suitcase are just getting heavier and heavier.
They loaded us pretty quickly, and I was in a middle seat. However, I did have good hip room. United seems to do that best. Also, we could start watching movies right away. I watched Monuments Men, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and even though I was sleepy, I didn't fall asleep. I finally put in Frozen, and don't remember anything between Anna buying carrots and the end credits except for the troll wedding, so I guess I finally dozed a little. I turned on Mary Poppins, but by then, we were getting close. Coming through border patrol was quick, luggage was slow getting to the carousel, and both of my bags made it. We boarded the bus, with a driver who did not pack it for us. With kids throwing luggage on every which way, there was barely room. And we were on our way. Even though by that point it was Friday morning in France, I'll call that the end of Thursday and declare my step count to be 7702. I'll pick up with a second report about actual travels when I come back from dinner.
We found our gate and took over. A group of 34 tends to do that. Things were going so well till someone said they just got an email in Spanish that there was a flight delay. I looked up, and it had been delayed about an hour and a half due to storms in Houston. So, we sat a little longer. After all my airport adventures last year, you have to take it in stride. It was fun to watch all the people desperately running for their gate when the flight from Houston got in. They were announcing that they would check bags to make extra room for carry-ons, so I took advantage of not having to carry my carry-on. Both it and my suitcase are just getting heavier and heavier.
They loaded us pretty quickly, and I was in a middle seat. However, I did have good hip room. United seems to do that best. Also, we could start watching movies right away. I watched Monuments Men, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and even though I was sleepy, I didn't fall asleep. I finally put in Frozen, and don't remember anything between Anna buying carrots and the end credits except for the troll wedding, so I guess I finally dozed a little. I turned on Mary Poppins, but by then, we were getting close. Coming through border patrol was quick, luggage was slow getting to the carousel, and both of my bags made it. We boarded the bus, with a driver who did not pack it for us. With kids throwing luggage on every which way, there was barely room. And we were on our way. Even though by that point it was Friday morning in France, I'll call that the end of Thursday and declare my step count to be 7702. I'll pick up with a second report about actual travels when I come back from dinner.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
NI Day 5: Finding Private Baxter
Easy day today. I got up late, so I didn't go to breakfast. I had crackers and pastry snacks in my room. We boarded the bus and headed to the National Archives II in College Park, Maryland. One of the groups today described it as "a really secure library on steroids. Did I mention security?" We had to. Show photo IDs every time we entered a room, couldn't take paper or folders in, and had to have our papers that we did take approved.
The goal for today was to investigate the primary source records that related to our silent heroes time of service. And I should clarify that an archive is not a library, the archivist working with us today was very adamant that that was the wrong word. An archive holds records.
Volunteers had been assigned various groups and had already found the relevant records for us. C and I looked at pictures of Utah Beach and Cherbourg. We went to the map room where we found the original burial place of Eston. He was buried at St. Mere Egliese after he was killed, and then later moved to the official battlefield cemetary. After lunch (sandwiches) and a video, and we do have a DVD of news reels and situation maps to utilize, we went to the text room. We were actually pretty lucky. Our volunteer, Denise, said she found more stuff on Eston than the other soldiers. Probably because he made it off the beaches. We looked through about six boxes of records directly related to the 4th division or the 12th infantry. Thanks to the historian of the 12th regiment veterans association, I already had a lot of the information, including the history of the 12th regiment written by Colonel Gerden Johnson. Either Col. Johnson wrote a lot of the infantry reports or he relied on them heavily for his book, because often the wording was exactly the same, I was telling Denise how I had obtained a copy of the book, and she looked a little crest fallen because we had already found a lot of the information she found for us.
What we still don't know that I want to know is when did Eston become part of the 12th Regiment. I know he was with the 113th on April 1, 1944, and is "somewhere in France" on June 17. I had let our contact know this information ahead of time, and the volunteers said they really couldn't find information from the archives on the 113th. I did find that the first replacements joined the 12th on June 14. Our contact with the veterans association told us Company B was a rifle company, so Eston was probably a rifleman. C is not satisfied with the word probably and wants to know for sure. Our volunteer did brag on us for providing the battalion and company, and I believe C may finally understand Division-Regiment-Battalion-Company-Platoon-Squad hierarchy after looking at this stuff.
We finally found some stuff about the 113th and Denise is going to take a look at it to see if we can find out more information about Eston. It appears the only place I could definetly get this would be to go the archives office in St. Louis to look at unit rosters and morning reports.
I also found "how to write a good battlefield narrative" and made a copy of that for our English teachers.
We returned to campus, had dinner, a briefing meeting on travel for tomorrow, because that's when we leave for France, and were sent back for packing and laundry. The kids did a D-Day Planning Simulation. I had started a load of laundry while we ate and am typing this while it dries. It's still early, but I do still have to completely pack. Did I mention we leave for France tomorrow? Today's steps: 6183, but it is just 7 o'clock and I still have to pack.
The goal for today was to investigate the primary source records that related to our silent heroes time of service. And I should clarify that an archive is not a library, the archivist working with us today was very adamant that that was the wrong word. An archive holds records.
Volunteers had been assigned various groups and had already found the relevant records for us. C and I looked at pictures of Utah Beach and Cherbourg. We went to the map room where we found the original burial place of Eston. He was buried at St. Mere Egliese after he was killed, and then later moved to the official battlefield cemetary. After lunch (sandwiches) and a video, and we do have a DVD of news reels and situation maps to utilize, we went to the text room. We were actually pretty lucky. Our volunteer, Denise, said she found more stuff on Eston than the other soldiers. Probably because he made it off the beaches. We looked through about six boxes of records directly related to the 4th division or the 12th infantry. Thanks to the historian of the 12th regiment veterans association, I already had a lot of the information, including the history of the 12th regiment written by Colonel Gerden Johnson. Either Col. Johnson wrote a lot of the infantry reports or he relied on them heavily for his book, because often the wording was exactly the same, I was telling Denise how I had obtained a copy of the book, and she looked a little crest fallen because we had already found a lot of the information she found for us.
What we still don't know that I want to know is when did Eston become part of the 12th Regiment. I know he was with the 113th on April 1, 1944, and is "somewhere in France" on June 17. I had let our contact know this information ahead of time, and the volunteers said they really couldn't find information from the archives on the 113th. I did find that the first replacements joined the 12th on June 14. Our contact with the veterans association told us Company B was a rifle company, so Eston was probably a rifleman. C is not satisfied with the word probably and wants to know for sure. Our volunteer did brag on us for providing the battalion and company, and I believe C may finally understand Division-Regiment-Battalion-Company-Platoon-Squad hierarchy after looking at this stuff.
We finally found some stuff about the 113th and Denise is going to take a look at it to see if we can find out more information about Eston. It appears the only place I could definetly get this would be to go the archives office in St. Louis to look at unit rosters and morning reports.
I also found "how to write a good battlefield narrative" and made a copy of that for our English teachers.
We returned to campus, had dinner, a briefing meeting on travel for tomorrow, because that's when we leave for France, and were sent back for packing and laundry. The kids did a D-Day Planning Simulation. I had started a load of laundry while we ate and am typing this while it dries. It's still early, but I do still have to completely pack. Did I mention we leave for France tomorrow? Today's steps: 6183, but it is just 7 o'clock and I still have to pack.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
NI Day 4: A Guest in the White House
Today's lectures covered the French Resistance and the navy's role in D-Day. I have always made fun of the French and they are highly criticized for being collaborationists during the war, but this institute has given me a new insight on the French because the average citizen was basically being held hostage by the Nazis. The lecturer said we have typically looked at the French during the war as the good french, the bad French, and the poor French.
After lunch, today was the big day: the White House reception. We had no idea who would be there officially from the government, but it was still a White House reception in the Eisenhower Executive Building, which is part of the White House complex and connected via tunnel. The reception was held in the Indian Treaty Room, which used to be the naval library. No Indian treaties were signed (and later violated) here.
I put on my pants, which have always been a little loose, lifted my arms to put on my shirt, and my pants fell straight down my legs. I felt like a cartoon character. I tried a safety pin, and these French American flag pins they gave us, and finally a big paper clip, but they kept falling down. I feel like I may have sweated off some weight, but that was very inconvenient.
The non Normandy people and non History Day people attending the reception included the acting secretary of Veteran Affairs and Ms. Susan Eisenhower, the presidents granddaughter. She was so wonderful with the kids, and I really wanted to tell her that my Aunt Barbara always insisted she got her pound cake recipe via Mamie Eisenhower, but we didn't have time.
After the welcome, Mr. Perry, Dr. Gorn, Mr. Small, and Mr. Caplain spoke. Then, each student presented their 90 second eulogy. Ours was extra special because today was the anniversary of Eston's death. C did a wonderful job. A representative from the White House then spoke, and it have to say our kids did a better job speaking than she did. After that, the Secretary, Ms. Eisenhower, and the White House rep presented each student with a presidential challenge coin.
There was some confusion about the rules regarding cameras, so I took pictures until we were told not to. Someone did get a group picture with Ms. Eisenhower. After the picture, she interrupted someone to ask someone else to grab her purse. I resisted calling her Sofia.
Tonight was our free night, and the teachers had developed several choices for the kids, but they all chose either shopping at Georgetown or Arlington Cemetary. C and I both chose Arlington. She initially wanted to stay back, but I told her she was in a new place and needed to see as much as she could. We rode the campus shuttle to Foggy Bottom and grabbed a quick snack at Whole Foods. I had some very tasty grapes. We then hopped the Metro, which is not an easy task with 16 people, to Arlington. We hiked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers just in time off the final changing of the guard. Such a solemn ceremony.
My Uncle Georg is buried near the Unknown, so I went to pay my respects while the others visited either Kennedy's grave or the Lee house. I thought I knew where he was buried and my phone wouldn't pull up the internet so I could look up the number. I would walk down a few rows, look at names, then walk a few more. I finally texted my sister to look up the number for me, but as soon as I hit send I walked to the next row and was there.
We then hiked over to The Iwo Jima Memorial for the sunset Marine parade. I had to sit and rest, but finally made it. The drum and bugle corp was performing first, followed by the silent rifle drill team. I had seen that in commercials, but seeing it in real life was pretty cool.
We returned to Foggy Bottom and found a burger joint and got the kids back with 15 minutes to spare before their curfew. Tomorrow is devoted to the National Archives. Today's steps: 14792. I might have had more if my pants had stay up.
After lunch, today was the big day: the White House reception. We had no idea who would be there officially from the government, but it was still a White House reception in the Eisenhower Executive Building, which is part of the White House complex and connected via tunnel. The reception was held in the Indian Treaty Room, which used to be the naval library. No Indian treaties were signed (and later violated) here.
I put on my pants, which have always been a little loose, lifted my arms to put on my shirt, and my pants fell straight down my legs. I felt like a cartoon character. I tried a safety pin, and these French American flag pins they gave us, and finally a big paper clip, but they kept falling down. I feel like I may have sweated off some weight, but that was very inconvenient.
The non Normandy people and non History Day people attending the reception included the acting secretary of Veteran Affairs and Ms. Susan Eisenhower, the presidents granddaughter. She was so wonderful with the kids, and I really wanted to tell her that my Aunt Barbara always insisted she got her pound cake recipe via Mamie Eisenhower, but we didn't have time.
After the welcome, Mr. Perry, Dr. Gorn, Mr. Small, and Mr. Caplain spoke. Then, each student presented their 90 second eulogy. Ours was extra special because today was the anniversary of Eston's death. C did a wonderful job. A representative from the White House then spoke, and it have to say our kids did a better job speaking than she did. After that, the Secretary, Ms. Eisenhower, and the White House rep presented each student with a presidential challenge coin.
There was some confusion about the rules regarding cameras, so I took pictures until we were told not to. Someone did get a group picture with Ms. Eisenhower. After the picture, she interrupted someone to ask someone else to grab her purse. I resisted calling her Sofia.
Tonight was our free night, and the teachers had developed several choices for the kids, but they all chose either shopping at Georgetown or Arlington Cemetary. C and I both chose Arlington. She initially wanted to stay back, but I told her she was in a new place and needed to see as much as she could. We rode the campus shuttle to Foggy Bottom and grabbed a quick snack at Whole Foods. I had some very tasty grapes. We then hopped the Metro, which is not an easy task with 16 people, to Arlington. We hiked to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers just in time off the final changing of the guard. Such a solemn ceremony.
My Uncle Georg is buried near the Unknown, so I went to pay my respects while the others visited either Kennedy's grave or the Lee house. I thought I knew where he was buried and my phone wouldn't pull up the internet so I could look up the number. I would walk down a few rows, look at names, then walk a few more. I finally texted my sister to look up the number for me, but as soon as I hit send I walked to the next row and was there.
We then hiked over to The Iwo Jima Memorial for the sunset Marine parade. I had to sit and rest, but finally made it. The drum and bugle corp was performing first, followed by the silent rifle drill team. I had seen that in commercials, but seeing it in real life was pretty cool.
We returned to Foggy Bottom and found a burger joint and got the kids back with 15 minutes to spare before their curfew. Tomorrow is devoted to the National Archives. Today's steps: 14792. I might have had more if my pants had stay up.
Monday, June 23, 2014
NI Day 3: Behind the Scenes
Thank goodness my suite mates were in the bathroom, because even though I had set the time on my alarm, I did not turn it on. All was good, however, and I made breakfast and got to lecture with plenty of time. The first lecture this morning was about Nazi ideology. No PowerPoint, just the professor talking really fast. I wonder how overwhelmed the kids were. I went to college pre PowerPoint and the only professor who ever put up outlines for us was Dr. Warren with his overhead slides. The second speaker was with the office of the Secretary of Defense and his job is to try to locate MIAs from WWII in France. I didn't think it would be as interesting as it was, but think about all the forensics shows that's out there. He's solving 70 year old mysteries. Lunch was fish and fries.
For the afternoon we were back to the National Mall and actually separated from the kids for awhile. Both groups picked up researcher cards for the National Archives where we will be doing research on Wednesday. Both groups also went to the American History museum where we got to ride the freight elevator to the top of the building and see some of the collections behind the scenes. It was humorous watching peoples faces as we boarded the special elevator. The archivist showed us Grant's West Point coatee, Patten's coveralls, Bradley's jacket, and pieces of mess kits. We got to compare the German and American helmets as well. I think the kids got to see a little more than we did. They may have had a little more time because we had to transition to the Archives and back while they got to stay at the museum. They probably didn't ask as many questions.
We had a couple of hours free in the museum. They wanted all of us to go through The Price of Freedom exhibit about America at War, so we did. I thought I was moving through fairly quickly, but other teachers were moving at the same pace. I spent quite a bit of time in this museum when I came to Washington two years ago and the biggest change was that the whole west side of the building is closed for renovations, so there were only half the number of exhibits available. I strolled through the stores, the transportation exhibit, took some time to view the original Star-Spangled Banner and told another tourist they were not supposed to be taking pics. She took several, including using the flash, and I can't believe the docents didn't say anything to her. I know they were all over that stuff last time I came.
Speaking of cameras, I had left my good one in the room by accident, so I didn't take many pictures today. After the American History Museum, we walked over to the Natural History Museum for supper, no sight seeing there. Supper was lasagna, green beans, a salad, and a melted (by the time we got to it) ice cream sandwich.
We trekked across the mall to the Air and Space Museum to watch an IMAX movie on D-Day. It was in 3d, which doesn't always work for me and sometimes makes me nauseous. I was good in that count, but if kept dozing off...just for. Few seconds at a time, but I still felt bad about it.
We bussed back to campus where the kids practiced their presentations for the reception tomorrow. I have to brag on C, as i think she was one of the most prepared. Unfortunately, there are going to be very strict rules regarding cameras tomorrow. The official PR person for NHD will be our only photographer.
Today's steps: 16058. The rest of my team better get theirs turned in on Saturday, because with my traveling, we might actually have a shot.
For the afternoon we were back to the National Mall and actually separated from the kids for awhile. Both groups picked up researcher cards for the National Archives where we will be doing research on Wednesday. Both groups also went to the American History museum where we got to ride the freight elevator to the top of the building and see some of the collections behind the scenes. It was humorous watching peoples faces as we boarded the special elevator. The archivist showed us Grant's West Point coatee, Patten's coveralls, Bradley's jacket, and pieces of mess kits. We got to compare the German and American helmets as well. I think the kids got to see a little more than we did. They may have had a little more time because we had to transition to the Archives and back while they got to stay at the museum. They probably didn't ask as many questions.
We had a couple of hours free in the museum. They wanted all of us to go through The Price of Freedom exhibit about America at War, so we did. I thought I was moving through fairly quickly, but other teachers were moving at the same pace. I spent quite a bit of time in this museum when I came to Washington two years ago and the biggest change was that the whole west side of the building is closed for renovations, so there were only half the number of exhibits available. I strolled through the stores, the transportation exhibit, took some time to view the original Star-Spangled Banner and told another tourist they were not supposed to be taking pics. She took several, including using the flash, and I can't believe the docents didn't say anything to her. I know they were all over that stuff last time I came.
Speaking of cameras, I had left my good one in the room by accident, so I didn't take many pictures today. After the American History Museum, we walked over to the Natural History Museum for supper, no sight seeing there. Supper was lasagna, green beans, a salad, and a melted (by the time we got to it) ice cream sandwich.
We trekked across the mall to the Air and Space Museum to watch an IMAX movie on D-Day. It was in 3d, which doesn't always work for me and sometimes makes me nauseous. I was good in that count, but if kept dozing off...just for. Few seconds at a time, but I still felt bad about it.
We bussed back to campus where the kids practiced their presentations for the reception tomorrow. I have to brag on C, as i think she was one of the most prepared. Unfortunately, there are going to be very strict rules regarding cameras tomorrow. The official PR person for NHD will be our only photographer.
Today's steps: 16058. The rest of my team better get theirs turned in on Saturday, because with my traveling, we might actually have a shot.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
NI Day 2: Monumental Marathon
We were up and at 'em early this morning. Breakfast was on campus and I had ham and pancakes. We have to walk by the soccer field to go to the cafeteria, and I want to walk on it barefoot so badly because the grass looks so pretty. I can't decide if it is real or some kind of turf. After breakfast, we met in a classroom for lecture. Even though I slept well last night, I struggled to stay awake. It's not that it was a boring, quite the opposite in fact, but I guess I am still adjusting. That's all right. I will probably sleep the sleep of the dead tonight.
Lecture was on what led to World War II and intelligence/counter intelligence regarding the Normandy invasion. Very interesting stuff. I liked the one about the spies and deception the best. The first lecture was trying to cover a whole lot of information in a very short time, where the second one had a more narrow focus.
Lunch was beef tips and some kind of eggplant, mushroom, corn, tomatoey (that's a real word...spell check did not underline it) casserole thing that was pretty good. After lunch, we met briefly to discuss next years National History Day theme, which is Leadership and Legacy. We talked about what characteristics make a good leader, and also about people who have really interesting stories but weren't necessarily leaders. My group's example was Jackie Robinson (a popular NHD topic). He certainly did an extraordinary thing, but was he a leader?
We left campus under an overcast sky and arrived at the National Mall to sunshine as we toured the National WWII Memorial. A volunteer from Friends of the National WWII Memorial gave us a guided tour. We laid a wreath at the memorial while a U.S. Marine bugler played taps. Each student was given a white rose to lay on our state marker in honor of our soldier. I'll do a photo walk of the memorial after the trip.
After that, we walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial. Bad knees and vertigo force me to use the elevator here and at the Lincoln Memorial, and I started not to go up, but I really think this is my favorite memorial. I know people have become critical of Jefferson because of his private life, but there is something about the space that seems sacred. One of my favorite moments from a previous trip was being alone in the Jefferson Memorial during an evening rain shower. Mr. Caputo shared a quote from Abraham Lincoln today, and I tried to find the exact wording online, but he basically said, "America does not have a national religion, but instead a civic religion." That civic, or civil religion, is reflected in the monuments we create to great people.
After Jefferson, we did the FDR Memorial, which is neat in the way it is divided between his four terms. The MLK Memorial is next, and I have mixed feelings about it. While I admire Dr. King, I hate that he has become the face of the Civil Rights Movement, to the point where men like Megdar Evers are forgotten. In the musical 1776, there is a line by John Adams that says "Franklin then smite the ground with his incredible lightening rod and out sprang Washington and his horse. The three of them - Franklin, Washington, and the horse, then conducted the entire revolution by themselves." I feel like the same thing has been done to the Civil Rights Movement. I was glad to hear Dr. Arnesen, our historical leader, express similar sentiments.
Our next stop was the Korean War Memorial. This was the first time I had seen this memorial. I have heard it is pretty incredible at night. Interesting fact: the memorial includes 19 soldiers. They are reflected in the black wall for a total of 38. Korea is divided at the 38th parallel. We crossed to the Vietnam Wall, where I found Dannie Carr's name to pay homage. Several in our group asked me if I knew someone, and while I didn't know Dannie, I know and admire his father, Rev. Melvin Carr. Preacher Carr was pastor at Cave Hill Church. He served in the Pacific in WWII, and has spoken of his experiences and Dannie at church. Dannie's death also impacted my family. Grandmother had a clipping of his obituary in her Bible when she died. Maybe it was a reminder that my Uncle Clarence was more fortunate. I always find Dannie's name when I come to Washington though, to honor him and Preacher Carr. My cousin Bobbie Gail once said about Preacher Carr, "He baptized us all, he married us all, and now he's gonna bury us all." It's not far from the truth as we lost Bobbie Gail and her last sister last year.
We had a picnic lunch in front of the Lincoln Memorial: sandwiches and chips. I didn't go up in this memorial. I always find it too crowded. That's another reason I like the Jefferson Memorial so much. It's less popular for some reason. The setting sun was doing some incredible things with lighting, so I took a few shots. I'll share those after the trip as well.
We returned to campus where the kids started working on an abbreviated eulogy to present at the White House reception on Tuesday. It was a good day, though we are all tired and sweaty. If I don't get leg cramps, I should sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow, we are visiting a couple of museums. Today's steps: 16538.
Lecture was on what led to World War II and intelligence/counter intelligence regarding the Normandy invasion. Very interesting stuff. I liked the one about the spies and deception the best. The first lecture was trying to cover a whole lot of information in a very short time, where the second one had a more narrow focus.
Lunch was beef tips and some kind of eggplant, mushroom, corn, tomatoey (that's a real word...spell check did not underline it) casserole thing that was pretty good. After lunch, we met briefly to discuss next years National History Day theme, which is Leadership and Legacy. We talked about what characteristics make a good leader, and also about people who have really interesting stories but weren't necessarily leaders. My group's example was Jackie Robinson (a popular NHD topic). He certainly did an extraordinary thing, but was he a leader?
We left campus under an overcast sky and arrived at the National Mall to sunshine as we toured the National WWII Memorial. A volunteer from Friends of the National WWII Memorial gave us a guided tour. We laid a wreath at the memorial while a U.S. Marine bugler played taps. Each student was given a white rose to lay on our state marker in honor of our soldier. I'll do a photo walk of the memorial after the trip.
After that, we walked around the tidal basin to the Jefferson Memorial. Bad knees and vertigo force me to use the elevator here and at the Lincoln Memorial, and I started not to go up, but I really think this is my favorite memorial. I know people have become critical of Jefferson because of his private life, but there is something about the space that seems sacred. One of my favorite moments from a previous trip was being alone in the Jefferson Memorial during an evening rain shower. Mr. Caputo shared a quote from Abraham Lincoln today, and I tried to find the exact wording online, but he basically said, "America does not have a national religion, but instead a civic religion." That civic, or civil religion, is reflected in the monuments we create to great people.
After Jefferson, we did the FDR Memorial, which is neat in the way it is divided between his four terms. The MLK Memorial is next, and I have mixed feelings about it. While I admire Dr. King, I hate that he has become the face of the Civil Rights Movement, to the point where men like Megdar Evers are forgotten. In the musical 1776, there is a line by John Adams that says "Franklin then smite the ground with his incredible lightening rod and out sprang Washington and his horse. The three of them - Franklin, Washington, and the horse, then conducted the entire revolution by themselves." I feel like the same thing has been done to the Civil Rights Movement. I was glad to hear Dr. Arnesen, our historical leader, express similar sentiments.
Our next stop was the Korean War Memorial. This was the first time I had seen this memorial. I have heard it is pretty incredible at night. Interesting fact: the memorial includes 19 soldiers. They are reflected in the black wall for a total of 38. Korea is divided at the 38th parallel. We crossed to the Vietnam Wall, where I found Dannie Carr's name to pay homage. Several in our group asked me if I knew someone, and while I didn't know Dannie, I know and admire his father, Rev. Melvin Carr. Preacher Carr was pastor at Cave Hill Church. He served in the Pacific in WWII, and has spoken of his experiences and Dannie at church. Dannie's death also impacted my family. Grandmother had a clipping of his obituary in her Bible when she died. Maybe it was a reminder that my Uncle Clarence was more fortunate. I always find Dannie's name when I come to Washington though, to honor him and Preacher Carr. My cousin Bobbie Gail once said about Preacher Carr, "He baptized us all, he married us all, and now he's gonna bury us all." It's not far from the truth as we lost Bobbie Gail and her last sister last year.
We had a picnic lunch in front of the Lincoln Memorial: sandwiches and chips. I didn't go up in this memorial. I always find it too crowded. That's another reason I like the Jefferson Memorial so much. It's less popular for some reason. The setting sun was doing some incredible things with lighting, so I took a few shots. I'll share those after the trip as well.
We returned to campus where the kids started working on an abbreviated eulogy to present at the White House reception on Tuesday. It was a good day, though we are all tired and sweaty. If I don't get leg cramps, I should sleep well tonight.
Tomorrow, we are visiting a couple of museums. Today's steps: 16538.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
NI Day 1: Demanding to Be Fed
This trip began back in November when I told my student, who for privacy I will just refer to as C, but most of you know who it is, that National History Day sponsored a program called the Albert Small Normandy Institute: Sacrifice for Freedom. It's an intense focus on D-Day and the Normandy Invasion in World War II, including research on a soldier buried at Normandy. C had participated in NHD for three years, and after a few weeks, she came back to me and said, "Let's apply."
We filled out all the paperwork and sent in our applications. Then, in December, I got a call from the Director of NHD that we had been chosen to be one of fifteen teams to participate. We are the first team from Tennessee chosen.
Then the fun started. We have been reading several books and primary source materials on WWII since January, including posting in an online discussion board, and researching our chosen solider, Eston A. Baxter, from Cosby. All of this has been leading up to a week in Washington, D.C., and a week in France. All we had to pay for was our transportation to and from Washington. Did you know the later the flight is, the more expensive it gets? Therefore, we left Knoxville at 6:00 AM.
After all my travel dilemmas last summer, I was prepared for anything, but the flying went smoothly. We took off on time, landed early, and my suitcase was one the first off the carousel. I had made arrangements with one of the other teams who was flying into Dulles at close to the same time to share a shuttle to the George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus. We met up with the other group and after a little confusion as to where to board our shuttle, were on our way.
United Airlines has a 50 pound weight limit on the checked luggage, and C and I both had to remove some items to meet that total. The group we met, both had suitcases smaller than ours. How do you do that? I was at Wal Mart last night to get laundry detergent so I could take fewer clothes, and almost bought a new lighter weight suitcase. Another rant, paying for checked luggage. When we traveled last summer because we were going straight to an international flight, we didn't have to lay to check our bags. Since we were stopping in DC first, we had to pay $25 each for our bags.
I know, I'm rambling. We check into the dorm and by 9:30, C wants to go to lunch. I had a half of a Cinnabon in Knoxville (not a fan, nit as good as they smell) and C had wanted soup (at 5:30 in the morning). Since she couldn't have soup, she hadn't ate yet. We had to put together a scrap book page for Mr. Small, so we do that first, and then we catch the shuttle that runs between the Mount Vernon Campus and the Foggy Bottom campus. We wonder around there, with her roommate, who shall be called Z, and don't find anything to suit us. Z was on the red eye from Los Angeles last night and C is functioning on 48 hours without sleep, and no one will tell me what they want.
I finally make an executive decision. C says she wants to go to the American Indian Museum, so I decide to head to the National Mall and eat in the cafeteria at the Museum. We purchase fare cards and ride the subway to l'Enfant Plaza. As we exit, we see a food court, so we go in there to eat. Z and I have Five Guys burgers, and C has "Welcome to Moe's!" Who knew Five Guys cooked in peanut oil? Not me, till I looked into the kitchen and saw the oil...and then noticed it on the sign. This is significant because C has a peanut allergy. It's alright, I sanitized really well after eating.
We then walk down to the museum, which Z asks, "is it a bunch of baskets?" I have to say, the American Indian Museum is not one of my favorites. It's too much text and not enough artifacts for my taste, though the architecture and landscaping of the grounds is incredible. A group is doing a performance when we get there, so we watch a little, and then we make plans to meet in an hour. After fifteen minutes, I get a text that they have hit the wall. So we meet back up and head back to the dorm where C and I take a power nap before meeting for supper.
Rant #2 (or is it 3): when we bought our fare cards for the metro, we had the choice between a single fare card or multiple fare card. So apparently, fare should read trip. We all put $5 on a single fare card, only to be denied entrance when we went to return to our home station. We were able to trade it in and add money, so we all have money on a fare card that we don't need.
Dinner was a formal reception at the City View Room on the GW Foggy Bottom campus. From there. You can see the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the dome of the Capitol building. It was a lovely view, but I'm not good at new crowds. Too much of my daddy and not enough of my momma in that regards, I guess. During dinner, C and I were the quietest two at the table. I did enjoy talking to one of the members of the NHD board of directors and a writing professor for GW.
At GW, all students must take three writing classes, regardless of their AP scores or their ACT scores, and it focuses on writing within their discipline. They also encourage professors in other disciplines to continually develop their students writing skills.
I was very fascinated watching the wait staff during dinner. We were seated at tables, and they served us one table at a time. I could see in the kitchen, and they would all line up. When they were all in the line, they would bring the food to the table, position themselves around us, and then set the food in front of us at the same time. They did that when clearing away our plates from the main entree as well.
Salad was lettuce, mandarin oranges, and feta cheese with dressing. I found a piece of cheese with no dressing and ate that and a small piece of cornbread. Dinner was chicken, asparagus, and quiche. I enjoyed that greatly. Dessert was a lemon tart that I could only eat about six bites of because it was turned my mouths inside out. Our speakers were a member of the board, the director of NHD, a gentlemen who is going to escort us around the WWII memorial tomorrow, Mr. Small, and a gentleman who was a beach master at Omaha Beach. We all got a copy of a letter Eisenhower sent the troops.
We returned to the dorms for brief meetings. For those who have been keeping up with us, it appears that the White House reception is going to be a go with some important people in attendance, but because of the situation in Iraq, probably not who we were hoping for. Tomorrow is lectures and monuments.
For my Dollywood peeps, 16337 steps today.
We filled out all the paperwork and sent in our applications. Then, in December, I got a call from the Director of NHD that we had been chosen to be one of fifteen teams to participate. We are the first team from Tennessee chosen.
Then the fun started. We have been reading several books and primary source materials on WWII since January, including posting in an online discussion board, and researching our chosen solider, Eston A. Baxter, from Cosby. All of this has been leading up to a week in Washington, D.C., and a week in France. All we had to pay for was our transportation to and from Washington. Did you know the later the flight is, the more expensive it gets? Therefore, we left Knoxville at 6:00 AM.
After all my travel dilemmas last summer, I was prepared for anything, but the flying went smoothly. We took off on time, landed early, and my suitcase was one the first off the carousel. I had made arrangements with one of the other teams who was flying into Dulles at close to the same time to share a shuttle to the George Washington University Mount Vernon Campus. We met up with the other group and after a little confusion as to where to board our shuttle, were on our way.
United Airlines has a 50 pound weight limit on the checked luggage, and C and I both had to remove some items to meet that total. The group we met, both had suitcases smaller than ours. How do you do that? I was at Wal Mart last night to get laundry detergent so I could take fewer clothes, and almost bought a new lighter weight suitcase. Another rant, paying for checked luggage. When we traveled last summer because we were going straight to an international flight, we didn't have to lay to check our bags. Since we were stopping in DC first, we had to pay $25 each for our bags.
I know, I'm rambling. We check into the dorm and by 9:30, C wants to go to lunch. I had a half of a Cinnabon in Knoxville (not a fan, nit as good as they smell) and C had wanted soup (at 5:30 in the morning). Since she couldn't have soup, she hadn't ate yet. We had to put together a scrap book page for Mr. Small, so we do that first, and then we catch the shuttle that runs between the Mount Vernon Campus and the Foggy Bottom campus. We wonder around there, with her roommate, who shall be called Z, and don't find anything to suit us. Z was on the red eye from Los Angeles last night and C is functioning on 48 hours without sleep, and no one will tell me what they want.
I finally make an executive decision. C says she wants to go to the American Indian Museum, so I decide to head to the National Mall and eat in the cafeteria at the Museum. We purchase fare cards and ride the subway to l'Enfant Plaza. As we exit, we see a food court, so we go in there to eat. Z and I have Five Guys burgers, and C has "Welcome to Moe's!" Who knew Five Guys cooked in peanut oil? Not me, till I looked into the kitchen and saw the oil...and then noticed it on the sign. This is significant because C has a peanut allergy. It's alright, I sanitized really well after eating.
We then walk down to the museum, which Z asks, "is it a bunch of baskets?" I have to say, the American Indian Museum is not one of my favorites. It's too much text and not enough artifacts for my taste, though the architecture and landscaping of the grounds is incredible. A group is doing a performance when we get there, so we watch a little, and then we make plans to meet in an hour. After fifteen minutes, I get a text that they have hit the wall. So we meet back up and head back to the dorm where C and I take a power nap before meeting for supper.
Rant #2 (or is it 3): when we bought our fare cards for the metro, we had the choice between a single fare card or multiple fare card. So apparently, fare should read trip. We all put $5 on a single fare card, only to be denied entrance when we went to return to our home station. We were able to trade it in and add money, so we all have money on a fare card that we don't need.
Dinner was a formal reception at the City View Room on the GW Foggy Bottom campus. From there. You can see the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, and the dome of the Capitol building. It was a lovely view, but I'm not good at new crowds. Too much of my daddy and not enough of my momma in that regards, I guess. During dinner, C and I were the quietest two at the table. I did enjoy talking to one of the members of the NHD board of directors and a writing professor for GW.
At GW, all students must take three writing classes, regardless of their AP scores or their ACT scores, and it focuses on writing within their discipline. They also encourage professors in other disciplines to continually develop their students writing skills.
I was very fascinated watching the wait staff during dinner. We were seated at tables, and they served us one table at a time. I could see in the kitchen, and they would all line up. When they were all in the line, they would bring the food to the table, position themselves around us, and then set the food in front of us at the same time. They did that when clearing away our plates from the main entree as well.
Salad was lettuce, mandarin oranges, and feta cheese with dressing. I found a piece of cheese with no dressing and ate that and a small piece of cornbread. Dinner was chicken, asparagus, and quiche. I enjoyed that greatly. Dessert was a lemon tart that I could only eat about six bites of because it was turned my mouths inside out. Our speakers were a member of the board, the director of NHD, a gentlemen who is going to escort us around the WWII memorial tomorrow, Mr. Small, and a gentleman who was a beach master at Omaha Beach. We all got a copy of a letter Eisenhower sent the troops.
We returned to the dorms for brief meetings. For those who have been keeping up with us, it appears that the White House reception is going to be a go with some important people in attendance, but because of the situation in Iraq, probably not who we were hoping for. Tomorrow is lectures and monuments.
For my Dollywood peeps, 16337 steps today.
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