Our second day started early as we left the lofstel around 9:30, after waiting for the guys to get up. We walked out into drizzly weather to catch the metro to the Smithsonian stop, then walked up the National Mall to the American History Museum. As we walked up the mall, we saw the floats lined up, ready for the St. Patrick's day parade that was to be held that day. We saw Irish step dancers and bagpipers getting ready for their performances. We all hoped that we would get to see some of the parade!

We arrived at the museum, and the group split up to go see different exhibits that interested them. I (Maryanne) started at the exhibit about the history of the National Anthem, and saw the actual flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the Star Spangled Banner. Sophie, Michelle and I also tried to check out the Simulater rides, but were discouraged by the seven dollar price of tickets. We all at some point got to see the extensive exhibit entitled "The Price of War", that chronicled the struggles of soldiers through every major war and conflict since the American Revolution. There was even a video that played that featured a UMD professor! The were so many things to look at, it was hard to tear myself away from the detailed information that lined the walls of each exhibit.

My experience was a little different from Maryanne's. I (Sabaina) along with Michelle and Nicki went to the First Ladies at the Smithsonian and saw the people in American history who take the back seat. All of these women were such classy ladies and did something productive for the nation by standing by their husbands. We were all amazed by the accessories the First Ladies had. The fine dresses, jewelry, and accessories were extremely nice and I think I speak for all when I say we really wanted Jackie Kennedy's Inaguration Ball Dress. Then, we went to Price of Freedom Museum and went through all the war exhibits from the Revolutionary War to Iraq War. In the end, I watched a movie about fallen heroes and got a perspective on how many people are putting their lives on line for us and for the nation's safety. I think we have all become more appreciative of the soldiers and veterans after visiting these places.

Later, we went to the VA Arlington Cemetery, which is the resting places of veterans of every war in the nation's history. It was raining fairly hard by now, so we took a tour bus around the grounds. The first stop of the tour bus was the gravesites of Robert andJohn F. Kennedy. JFK's grave was next to his wife's, and a few other family members. In front of the markers, there was the eternal flame. The tour guide told us how Robert Kennedy's grave was marked by a simple white cross, how he wanted it in his will. Then, we went to the Tomb of the Unknown. We saw the guardsmen guarding the Tomb of the Unkown. It was really eye opening to see how much dedication these men had to be paying their respects to the fallen soldiers 24/7. We really wanted to see the Women's Veteran Memorial too but couldn't due to some private event there :(

After walking all day, we were exhausted and ready to go back to the loftstel. We metroed it back, and ate delicious guacamole and tortilla pizzas made expertlyby Cait. After snacking, Christian made pasta and alfredo sauce, and Sophie made garlic toast (delicioso). After dinner and some chatting, we went upstairs to do our reflections. Our reflection questions consisted of thinking about veterans and the significance of memorial day. We found out that soldiers who was a member of the service during wartime and served in the war were considered veterans. We also had a really intellectual discussion about war and is it necessary and if peace could achieve more than war. We all agreed that whatever party or policies we believe in, we all respect and appreciate what veterans do for this country and the government should do more for veterans.

We went to bed early excited to visit the rest of the museums in D.C.

Over and out,
Sabaina Arshad & Maryanne Cannon