My experience in Washington, D.C., for the NRECA Youth Tour was fantastic. Although I had been on other trips to D.C., the Youth Tour has been the best experience. I enjoyed traveling with delegates from so many different states and getting to see so many of the sites in D.C. Some of my favorite things we did throughout the week were the cruise on the Potomac River, visiting the National Cathedral, gathering with the 1500+ delegates for Youth Day, and the Sunset Parade at Iwo Jima. I would like to thank WREA and Wyrulec for allowing me to attend this wonderful tour. It was truly an amazing experience.
--Katie Ochsner, 2009
I really enjoyed this trip to Washington, D.C., with the NRECA. It was full of first-time experiences from the metal detectors to my first plane ride. I really enjoyed visiting Arlington Cemetery and being able to see the changing of the guard ceremony as well as the wreath ceremony. My favorite parts of the week were taking the cruise on the Potomac River where there were three decks of a good time with a big group dance on each level. My other favorite part was going to the Lincoln Monument at night to listen to a high school band play, including a few pieces that I have played in band as well. All in all, this week was a huge blast that was extremely enjoyable, definitely with an excellent chaperone, Tami, who made sure we were up and out when we were supposed to be and made sure that I enjoyed myself on this trip. Thanks, NRECA! Thanks, Tami!
--David Ransom, 2009
Washington, D.C., is a fun place to go and visit. You can learn a lot and it's cool to see the place where it all happens. This trip was my third and was by far the best yet. I had more time at all the sites and we went to a lot more. I had fun finding new friends and meeting new people. It was a fun experience and I urge all young people to apply to go.
--Theron Hageman, 2008
Attending the Washington, D.C., Youth Tour was a great experience. It allowed me to learn new things about our capital as well as meet new people. Visiting the Arlington Cemetery was an unforgettable experience. The amount of soldiers that gave their lives for our country was incredible. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the cemetery. The Cathedral was an awesome experience, too. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to visit these places and many of the other memorials. It was extremely fun and an all around great experience. This is a great opportunity for teens to get out and experience new things and new people; I hope WREA continues to take this trip in the future.
--Brooke Kappen, 2008
My Washington, D.C., experience was unforgettable. Whether it was being able to tour monuments and memorials for the second time, or being able to tour the Library of Congress, Cathedral, Capitol, Smithsonians, and riding the Metro for the first. I feel so fortunate to be able to visit our nation's capital and see our country's history. The things that are so special to this country are extremely interesting to look at, such as the Declaration of Independence. There was so much to see in Washington and I am so glad I was able to go.
--Carolyn Hageman, 2008
I absolutely loved D.C. It's hard to narrow it down to what I liked most because if you say I liked the Washington Monument then you start thinking, no, wait, I liked this and this, too. But I really liked all the architecture that's in the whole city. All the monuments and the Congress building had beautiful architecture. It was really cool to look at and hear the historic meanings behind them. And next, of course, all the really cool people I met. The week wouldn't have been as entertaining if I hadn't met them. And all the memories we made are irreplaceable.
--Jamie Dee Hageman, 2007
This week I attended the WREA-sponsored Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. I really enjoyed the trip and learned many things. I learned a lot about George Washington, our first president. At his house, Mt. Vernon, I learned how much of a statesman he was, and how much he was willing to sacrifice to preserve liberty in our country.
One of my favorite parts was the Vietnam Memorial. Seeing all the names inscribed on that black wall and all the reverence put forth by visiting veterans and family members really showed me how much was sacrificed back in Vietnam.
Overall, it was an amazing trip and I am extremely grateful that WREA sponsored me! I made great friends and learned things that I'll remember forever.
--Jeremy Brown, 2007
