Monday on the Mall

Monday morning 1,500 young people from across Rural America filled the ballroom at the Crystal City Hyatt. After a the presentation of colors by members of all branches of the military the entire crowd recited the pledge of allegiance. Pretty cool to hear all those voices in unison. A highlight of the morning was when the state Youth Leadership Council representatives were introduced to the crowd. After reviewing essays and resumes, interviews and observing the candidates on Tour, James and I selected Tosha Skinner, sponsored by Northwest Rural Public Power District, as Nebraska's representative. We had three outstanding candidates apply which made the selection difficult. Thank you to all that applied. The youth were then treated to a presentation by US Senator George W. Norris--the father of public power and rural electrification. In reality it was Nebraska's own David Landis portraying this critically important figure who played a primary role in creating the rural public power system. Mike Shlappi was the keynote speaker for the morning and his message won't soon be forgotten. Mike was accidentally shot at the age of 14 and was left unable to walk. His inspirational presentation told the kids if "you can't stand up, stand out!"

After Youth Day we walked six blocks to take the METRO to the National Mall. After some education on how to use the subway system we traveled above and below ground into the District. We didn't lose anyone and I think they came away from their experience today feeling comfortable with the METRO, and should be able to get around easily on their next trip to Washington DC. Students visited the museums in small groups so they could focus on the things they wanted to see. What they learned is that there is no way to see it all. Each person experience the Smithsonian Museums in their own way. I'm sure they will have a lot to tell you when they get home.

We met back as a group at 4pm at the National Archives for a Tour. We were able to see the Constitution, the Delclaration of Independance and the Bill of Rights as well as other significant documents relating to the abolishment of slavery and giving women the right to vote. "Wow" was a phrase heard often.

Union Station was dinner location. Groups picked their own dining options and were able to relax in the air conditioning before getting back onthe METRO to head to the White House for an evening walk around. When we got off the METRO it was pouring buckets...Not wanting to miss an opportunity, the kids dug into their string bags and put on their emergency raincoats and we forged ahead in the rain. This group is always looking for an adventure! The rain didn't last long and we enjoyed a leisurely walk around the White House.

The groups received a nice surprise when Congressman Adrian Smith rode his bicycle across town to meet-up our group on the south side of the White House. You may not know this, but Congressman Smith served as a chaparone for Youth Tour when he was a state senator. He is still a big supporter of our Youth Tour program.