Day Four of the 2013 Freedom Tour was an incredible day.  The students and team leaders experienced so much; mere words are difficult to explain the emotion and feelings felt by all.   Our visit to the Gettysburg National Military Park was wonderful as the park prepares for the 150th anniversary of the battle.  Our seasoned Battlefield Guides shared the events that defined history and we walked the sacred ground where so many gave their final last measure. 

Once we arrived in Washington DC our first visit was Arlington National Cemetery where we were inspired by the Changing of The Guard at the Tomb on the Unknowns.  It was moving, and our students were exemplary in their demeanor.   We were in awe as we walked the beautifully landscaped paths of this hallowed ground with the distant sounds of taps and twenty-one gun salutes. 

In the evening we journey back to Arlington where we visited the U.S. Marine Corp Memorial, the statue of the flag raising on Iwo Jima.  After sharing some insight with the students about the individuals who made up the statue, we could look at the memorial from a different light.

While visiting this statue, we were presented with an interesting teaching moment.   There was a news crew from a local ABC TV affiliate asking people to comment on the events of the day surrounding the Edward Snowden and the revealing of classified information.   He had just been indicted on espionage charges and the question was; do you believe this to be a matter of a whistleblower or a traitor?    Although our opinions were that of our own, it generated great discussion and debate on the buses as we moved to our next stop.     Unofficially, the students were split in their opinion; 1/3 felt whistleblower, 1/3 traitor, and 1/3 could go either way.  I'm so proud of these students.