Gene called reporting that all is well and they finally made it to Washington, DC. He wanted to let everyone know what a fantastic job all the Scouts did at the St. Louis airport during their layover, and also mentioned the excellent service that TWA gave him in rebooking their flight. Their flight was delayed by approximately 1/2 hour as they waited for late connecting flights coming in. The hotel made five trips with their shuttle bus to bring all the Scouts to the hotel from the airport and the Scouts were in their rooms anywhere from 1:00 to 2:00 AM. Much to Gene's amazement, everyone got up great this morning and were at breakfast by 6:30 AM. He noted that breakfast was good.
Special note: The phones are shut off in the Scouts' rooms and they must use pay phones to make their calls.
Tour All three troops from the Hawkeye Area Council (HAC) started their morning off by visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and watched the Changing of the Guard at the tomb. Scout Michael H. from T1035 laid the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown.
All three troops also walked through the Arlington Cemetary together this morning and then the troops divided up.
Over the next two days the groups were planning on visiting the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument (no tours are avaiable at this time), the White House (no tours are available at this time), the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the National Aquarium, the National Art Museum (which the kids have really enjoyed), the Korean War Museum, the National Graphic Museum, the National Postal Museum and the Newseum. Most all the Scouts want to visit the National Zoological Park (zoo).
At 2:00 PM ET, the entire contingent met at the Capitol Building for pictures.
Gene will call again tomorrow morning.
BACK TO DAILY UPDATES
Be sure to check the Scoutmaster News for other information.
