As an eager elementary child back in the day, I remember vividly going to Washington DC on a field trip with the rest of my grade level. I remember riding the bus all night and how we were so excited none of us slept. I remember going to the Smithsonian to see the Air and Space Museum and looking at all the planes and flight exhibitions that lead up to the Apollo missions, which was a big part of my childhood.

I remember standing at the base of the Washington Monument and being amazed at the height! I also remember running up the steps of the Lincoln memorial and looking at the statue of the man who has always been an idol of mine. I also remember rushing to the US Marine Iwo Jima Memorial because we were in a hurry since we were leaving soon. I always remember that memorial since my dad was a Marine. Somewhere at my mom’s house is a shoebox with my mementoes I bought that weekend.

This winter, I have the honor of sharing my memories of Washington DC with my class as we visit Washington DC as I did so long ago. There are so many more exhibits and monuments to see now. I am sure they will be just as excited as I was and will form so many memories. They will share these memories with others just as I have over the years.

However, as we fall into difficult economic times, creating these memories is becoming more challenging to keep alive. We will be, as a grade, doing a variety of activities to try to help with the cost of this trip. Many of our families are unable to cover the $300 cost for their child to attend this three-day, once-in-a-lifetime event. The Brier Creek PTA would like to raise $9,000 to help lower the per person cost for each of the students as well as provide scholarships to those in need.