On June 28,2009 the American Legion Junior Auxiliary Unit 586 from Tipp City visited Washington DC. The girls had the honor of laying the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Just as the girls were about to decend the stairs for the laying of the wreath a gentle rain began to fall, quite fitting for the somber ceremony. The girls were escorted to and from the tomb by one of the soldiers commissioned to guard the tomb. He was very sweet, reminding the girls of the slippery steps due to the weather. After returning them safely to the top of the steps he shook each of their hands, thanked them for their service and told them what a pleasure it was to meet them. The girls came away from the ceremony with a greater understanding of what dedication each of the soldiers has to guard the tomb, and an even greater understanding of why we honor those who have fought, fallen, and have been lost in the effort to keep this nation we love free from those who wish to harm us. This is certainly an experience these young ladies will remember for the rest of their lives, and be able to share with others.
The group also went on a tour of the Capital building, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and the Smithsonian Museum of American History, as well as the Holocaust Museum and the hotel where Lincoln was taken after he had been shot at Ford’s theater and where he died the following day. We visited the National Mall and the many memorials there. We found one man from Tipp City who is still missing in action on the Viet Nam memorial. We were unable to procure a tour of the White House, however we were able to see it from the outside. It is quite breathtaking at night. We were able to see many Secret Service agents and the SWAT team, a very impressive sight. We took a trolley tour of the city as well. We were able to hop off and on at several of the city’s sites. Although the trip was only a few days we managed to get in quite a lot of site seeing and many miles of walking. All in all, the group had a wonderful time, and learned quite a bit from the sites we saw and have even more pride in our country and those who work everyday to protect it.
This trip would not have been possible without the support of this community, the American Legion family, and the hard work these young ladies and their families have put forth. The girls would like to thank everyone for their support and donations that made this trip possible. We wish to thank Avis car rental and Kris Skinner for the use of the van to make the trip, Tipp Florist for designing the wreath and to Frings and Bayliff Funeral Home for donating it for the ceremony.
The American Legion family gave us such great support and encouragement when they found out the girls had been selected to lay the wreath and a mere thank you to them seems inadequate, however we do wish to express great gratitude for all that our legion family did to support this trip. You gave these young ladies a memory to carry with them forever. One they will be able to share with their children and grandchildren in the years to come. God bless you all and God bless America. |
