After a yummy breakfast, we corralled the troops and headed for Gettysburg. We picked up tour guides and began unraveling the mysteries of the battlefields. For some, this was the high light of the tour as they hiked to the 20th Maine monument on Little Round Top. The weather was warm, even hot to most, reminding us not only did the soldiers have to contend with the challenging landscape but the oppressive summer heat. Having been here before, I am reminded of the death and finality that encapsulates these fields. The regiments of average men willing to fight for the freedoms bestowed to a UNIFIED country. The abolishment of tyrannical forces preventing these freedoms to our brothers enslaved by color.
On the road again... Heading to Washington DC, the mood of the group has again shifted. They are not longer virgins of the road. Instead they have developed some street sense and not shocked by the oddities of human behavior. They are somber today. Not because they are tired, but more likely because they have the innate ability to sense they are entering a phase of the trip that will require them to "feel." We learned from our past histories but we feel from the "now" or "today."
Arlington National cemetery was land once owned by General Lee, that was commandeered by government and used as a burial ground for it's fallen soldiers. Lee's stately home sits high on the hill overlooking the sea of white headstones, a constant reminder that defending the ideals of a unified country come at a great cost. Different than Gettysburg, Arlington is not filled with the marching of haunted souls instead it resonates the perfect peace. Couples reunited laid along side brothers and sisters who have come home to rest. The kids gave a quiet and respectful reverence to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Kennedy's eternal flame. Breaking off into small groups, we discussed their understandings of freedom. Yet they still remained unsettled.
Following dinner in Union Station, we boarded the buses for the Marine Corps Memorial. Winding our way through DC, we pull up in front of the huge and impressive memorial commonly known as the Iwo Jima. Off in the distance is a Marine standing in uniform occasionally shaking hands with random people who are thanking him for his service. The Marine is Nathan's uncle and my brother. He and his family came to join us for the evening. Not soon after the hugs, a few of the boys rushed over to offer their thanks of service. Humbled by the students interest, he decided to give them a bit of a USMC show to bring them to attention - EYEBALLS/up and EARS/open. Col. Marsh gathered the kids and briefed them on his background, connecting his childhood in Maine to becoming a helicopter pilot. He then climbed on the bus to visit the pentagon with the kids. (Nathan was called out to ride with his favorite cousin Marissa, who was willing to brave the gamey scents on the bus)
Arriving at the Pentagon, Col. Marsh began to tell how his life changed on 9/11 as he flew President Bush to observe the damage then home to the White House. He is a skilled orator, describing the moment and offering how close the potential was for greater damage. After the kids entered the Pentagon's 9/11 Memorial. As the sun was setting, the reflecting pools began to glow, and the benches were laid out by the youngest to the oldest of victims. The words, their thoughts, and the intensity of the scene brought many to tears. Raw feelings for our freedoms, family, and their futures. Another step in the bonding process.
Some were predictably connected to the moment, but what touched me the most was the reaction of those who were unfamiliar with sharing their emotions. These were the kids that picked up the pieces. Coming to the rescue with hugs, kind words, hand holding, and group discussions. I witnessed a particular kid, known to be reserved and often void of emotion, find a friend in need of support. A big hug and some tears on his shoulder, now he too was connected. The lesson freedom is not free, it comes with price. How it is paid is different for everyone.
No comments:
Post a Comment