4-H Citizenship Group travels to Washington, D.C.

Iowa 4-H’ers experienced United States history, national security, national diversity, National 4-H Center hospitality and more on their seven-day adventure to Washington D.C. A collection of 33 youth, 18 adults and four ISU Extension Staff from Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties departed northeast Iowa April 6 to participate in the 2013 4-H Citizenship Trip.
Attending the trip from Allamakee County were 4-H’ers Jade Blake, Shelby Bodley, Adam Drew, Nolan Hagen, Emily Hammel, Melissa Hammel, Brittany Johnson, Emma Johnson, Erika Johnson, Megan Leiran, Emily Opfer, Kayla Palmer, Miranda Reinhardt, Jess Schlitter and Shelby Wild. Adult chaperones from Allamakee County included Sandi Drew, Deb Hammel, Jennifer Reinhardt, Tracy Schlitter and Bonnie Wild. ISU Extension Staff included Lynette Houser, Sue Pederson, Joni Bruvold and Kaitlin Hanson.
After traveling on a Windstar Coach overnight, the first stop was the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, followed by Gettysburg, PA, where the group toured the visitor center and experienced the Gettysburg Cyclorama. James Cole, Gettysburg Tour Guide, boarded the coach for a two-hour guided tour of the Gettysburg Battlefields with stops at Devils Den, Little Round Top, Culp’s Hill and the Peach Orchard.
After several hours at Gettysburg, the group departed for the National 4-H Center in Chevy Chase, MA, making that their home for the week's stay. Monday morning was spent at Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home. The group toured the grounds, his tomb, and the visitor’s center.
Monday afternoon was spent at the Washington Naval Yards visiting the Naval Museum and touring the USS Barry. Monday evening, the group participated in an impressive night tour of the many monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. after a supper stop at the food court of the Ronald Reagan Building.
Tuesday morning the group toured the National Cathedral. A stop at the Old Post Office and Historic Clock Tower was next with opportunity for lunch and an elevator ride to the top of the tower to view the city of Washington D.C. That afternoon was spent at the National Archives viewing the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights.
Following the Archive visit, groups toured the Smithsonian Institution buildings. To wrap up Tuesday, the group boarded the Spirit of Mount Vernon for a dinner cruise filled with an evening of music, dancing, dining and upper deck sailing.
Wednesday, dressed in their 4-H polo shirts and khaki pants, the group toured the United States Capitol and the U.S. Senate. After a lunch break the group remembered and honored the victims at the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial. Arlington National Cemetery was the group's next destination. Four youth from the group had the honor of participating in laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Representing Allamakee in this ceremony was Shelby Bodley of the Ludlow Future Farmers 4-H Club. Cassy Kennon, Flying Hoofs 4-H Club member, represented Howard County in the ceremony. Winneshiek County 4-H’ers, Ashley Schwartzhoff of the Decorah Chiefs 4-H Club and Logan Brincks of the Bloomfield 4-H Club finalized the Iowa State University 4-H Group. A stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial was made before the group arrived at Ford’s Theatre for the production "Hello Dolly".
Thursday the group loaded the bus for the last day of touring. The first stop was a photo opportunity at the White House and Lafayette Park. Union Station was toured next, attracting over 25 million visitors each year. The Holocaust  Museum and Bureau of Engraving & Printing were final historical stops for the group's educational focus. Georgetown Cupcakes, otherwise known as DC Cupcakes on the TLC Network, was the final stop with participants enjoying a treat for the ride home.