La Mirada Blog's Christopher Guerra in front of our Nation's Capital

Exclusive! Note: Third entry in a series

Washington D.C.~Five score and about six month ago (February 8, 1910), our scouting fathers brought forth on this continent, a new program to teach this country's youth "responsible leadership, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations." (Wikipedia)

On the morning of July 23, we pulled ourselves out of bed and filled up at the breakfast buffet.  Our first tour of the day was Gettysburg National Park. We toured the many battlefields

Troop 826 on the steps of the Capital

such as Little Round Top that made this place a major turning point in the Civil War. Many American lives were lost on these fields and there are several monuments to remind us all why we should always remain united.  In the high temperatures, we slowly climbed an observation tower. From there, we had a magnificent view of the city and park.  Our Gettysburg ranger told us how the outnumbered Union army held off the Confederate forces at this site by forming a defensive line in the shape of a fishhook.  After the Union victory, President Lincoln later came to Gettysburg to deliver his famous speech.

For lunch, we ate lunch at a place where they had a huge food court of various restaurants.  Something for everyone.  We ate and headed back to the buses only to find out that Troop 818's (Galaxy) bus driver misplaced his keys. So we waited out in the hot sun until our leaders came up with a plan.  It was decided that we would all board the buses with the Galaxy troop taking the empty spaces left on the other three buses.  We were grateful to be back on the road and cheered when the cold air finally filled our bus.

We headed towards our nation's capital, Washington D.C. Our first stop was the National Holocaust museum.  I was not prepared for what I saw in this museum.  It was one of the most heartbreaking, breathtaking, and saddest places I have ever experienced. The one exhibit that got to me the most was the exhibit where you are walking across a bridge and the shoes of the victims were to our sides. We left there with a lot to think about.

Our trek then took us to the National Archives. Walking into this building was like entering a cathedral. We saw some of the most important documents in the world right before our eyes: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta.  Looking at these famous documents is a window to our past.  It reminded us how our country was shaped and how these documents are still important to us today.

After dinner, we visited the Boy Scout Monument which was really cool.  I didn't know there was actually one for Boy Scouts.  It was a statue of a scout leading two people.  In front of the monument was pool of water with a message inscribed along the ring honoring the many volunteers in the scouting program as well as scouts.   I am very grateful for my Jamboree leaders Mr. Gardea, Mr. Romberger, Mrs. Wood and Nick as well as my home Troop 919 leaders, Mr. Perez, Mrs. Pier, Mr. Williams, Mr. Freeman and of course my dad.  They are always willing to go the extra mile for us kids.

Moving along, we walked through the outdoor Franklin Roosevelt monuments. They depicted the struggles and achievements during his presidency. We finished the day at the Jefferson Memorial which is a large rounded open building with a huge statue of Thomas Jefferson holding the Declaration of Independence in one of his hands.  Etched on the walls inside were parts of the famous document he helped write.  From the steps of this memorial, we had a clear view of the Washington Monument and other parts of D.C.  It was a sight to behold!  We have only just begun to explore our capital.  I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.