Pentagon and Holocaust Museum Visits

9/11 Memorial at The Pentagon

The last two student events have brought our students to two of the most famous places in the DC area.  On Wednesday, February 8th the spring group had the opportunity to tour the world's largest office building, also known as The Pentagon.  Located less than a mile from where the students live, the Pentagon is the main office location for the United States military.  Because of it's obvious pentagon shape which gives the building it's name, the design creates it so any person could walk just about anywhere in the building, from point to point, in less than 15 minutes.  Considering the building is essentially a city in itself, housing offices for 25,000, more at times of war, that's quite the feat.  Students were given tours by military personnel who spoke not only about the building itself but in part about the military.  Some of the highlights included the chapel and the 9/11 Memorial located on the grounds just outside where the attack took place.  The memorial is open 24/7 year round and is a moving reminder of the tragic events from that day.

After our tour students returned to the LCWS office to hear guest lecturer Colonel Maurice Clemmons of the US Army speak about his 26 years in the service.  Colonel Clemmons has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and was in the Pentagon when it was attacked on 9/11.  Colonel Clemmons account of 9/11 gives a moving account of the day's events and provided students with a truly unique perspective.  Students were also shown an excellent grouping of pictures detailing the events of that day.  We thank Colonel Clemmons for taking time to meet with out students and for serving our country in the military.

On Wednesday, February 15th the weekly student event was held at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on the National Mall.  Students arrived early and had a chance to hear a Holocaust survivor speak, giving her accounts of what it was like in Germany and what she endured during that time in history.  Students then had a chance to walk through the four-story museum getting an opportunity to read documents, watch movies, and see artifacts giving an excellent account of the Holocaust.  It's always one of the more emotional events of the semester which speaks to the excellent work done by the museum and it's staff.  There really is no better way to learn about the Holocaust and World War II and we appreciate the museum working to accommodate our students.