Daily Reflection: Saturday

Today, we didn't do much because it was the sabbath. So we went to church in the morning then ate lunch. After that we went to the zoo but there were hardly any animals so after that we came back to the dorms and chilled for a while. I was kinda disappointed that we didn't see more at the zoo but more on that later. 

The church's historical background is something that I'm not entirely sure of. Meaning I don't know it's background. All I know is that it's on this campus and it's at least 30 years old I assume. The National Zoo is a place where all sorts of animals from all different regions of the earth are shown and exhibited. However, we wouldn't know because we didn't see any of them. 

What I liked most about today would have to be the very little we saw of the zoo. Sure it was kind of a letdown, but what we did see was actually pretty cool. I just wish that we saw more of it. We only managed to see some sloths, a few cats, an elephant and something else that I can't remember. But it made a certain someone really happy so that's all that matters to me.

What I disliked the most about today was probably the sabbath school. Now I know you're probably calling me a satanist right now but you've gotta understand, it was super cringy. These youth pastors nowadays try way too hard to be hip and with it that they just come off as cringy. No offense to them, because I know they're just trying to spread the good word but please find another way to do it. I'd honestly like it if they just used some old style preaching but what do I know?

What I learned today was the importance of allowing church to be a house of worship rather than a house of entertainment as the pastor said. His points about people making church too much about the people and not about God were good points. I've seen it before in other places as well. It should be done in all churches around the world. To make them a house of worship, not entertainment 

How can today relate to my life? Well the zoo represents nature, and nature is all around us. Always. It does everything, makes everything, makes up everything. We come in contact with it every day without realizing that it's even there.

Daily Reflection: Friday

Today, we visited the Library Of Congress and the Museum of Natural history. The Library Of Congress didn't have a lot to see but it looked nice at least. The Natural History museum had lots more to see and do. I will say however, the Library at least looked a bit better than the museum.

The Library Of Congress is basically a large library filled with government documents and reference material. People hardly use it anymore however due to the advent of the Internet. The Museum of Natural History is a gathering of all sorts of natural things from around the world. From animals to minerals to dinosaurs, it's all there. Even things like technology are also shown.

What I learned from today is how diverse nature is in animals and organisms. The whole museum had things about almost every animal imaginable, extinct or not. The similarities between these animals were also very similar in some places but very different in others. The diversity is truly something to behold. The diversity is most likely because of habitats and living spaces but it's still interesting.

What I liked most about today would probably have to be the History museum. Like I said before, there was a lot to see and a lot to do. It was all very nice to look at. But it was very easy to get lost in the place. Probably because there was so much there.

What I disliked the most would probably be the Library. Now sure it looked nice as a building, but it was a library, ad libraries tend to be a little stale. Sure we didn't actually go into the library portion itself but we still saw a lot of it and it looked pretty boring. Not only that but we didn't really learn anything from it either. Other than that Thomas Jefferson donated books or something.

How can today relate to my life? Well, we see nature all the time. It's all around us everywhere we go. Complex ecosystems and various bits of nature are seen all over the place everywhere. We see it without knowing it. And we should appreciate it. After all, nature produces things we need to live like food and oxygen so it's only fair.

Daily Reflection: Monday

Today we visited Arlington National Cemetary and the U.S. Capitol building. The cemetery had lots of things in it including lots of graves from many American soldiers and presidents. This meant however, that there was a lot of walking involved and no one likes that. The U.S. Capitol had cool stuff too with movies and tours and the like.

The Arlington National Cemetery is the mass burial ground for thousands and thousands of American soldiers and high ranking military officials and some presidents. The cemetery is also known for the famous changing of the guard service that is done every 30 minutes. We did watch the service and it is so cleanly rehearsed and executed that it is hard to tell if the guards are human or not. The U.S. Capitol is where the Senate and House Of Representatives meet to discuss and vote on manners of great importance to the nation. The place also houses many statues of presidents and a large rotunda filled with loads of statues and other things.

What I liked the most about the day would have to be the Capitol, there was a lot of cool stuff there. Not only that but after being at the cemetery all day in the beating heat it was nice to be inside with air conditioning. The Capitol also had lots of cool history and myths along with real history. It's strange to think how much the building has changed over the years. We didn't get to see the actual room where the Senate meets but that's understandable.

What I disliked most about the day was all the walking and the beating heat of the outside. It really began to wear me down over the course of the day. A lot of other people can relate I'm sure. The cemetery was cool and all, but I wish we could've visited on a cooler day than that. Well, the cemetery was kid of depressing in itself. The quietness and reverence is unmatched anywhere else I've been.

I learned from the cemetery how costly war is and how many lives it takes. Everyone knows this already of course but to actually see it in itself. Every single headstone was a person, each with their own beliefs worries and desires. It's very strange to think about the scale of that. That makes me realize how much we should try to avoid war unless absolutely necessary.

These places affect my life in many ways. They affect all of our lives. The Capitol holds the Senate that decides the fate of the nation. The cemetery holds the grim reminder of the real cost of war. These two things impact all of us every day. Whether we know it or not.

On this Day: April 21st

On this day, April 21st 753, the city of Rome is founded. No one knows who exactly founded Rome but the myth of the time is that the brothers named Romulus and Remus who were raised by a she-wolf after they were orphaned as infants, settled the small city state that expanded over time. The city state would continue to expand until it became its own empire and thriving civilization. Rome would later become one of the biggest and most feared empires in the world with dozens of imitators looking to restore it.

At the time, nobody in the surrounding areas of Rome really cared or thought much of a new city state being founded. No one knew how big Rome would eventually become but that's fair enough, after all no one can see into the future. When Rome began conquering other places and expanding its borders other nations must have been worried about it. It was only a matter of time before Rone was the biggest empire on the planet, and with good reason.

Today, ruins of Rome such as the Collisieum still stand in Italy and can be visited. Over the years since Rome's downfall, many civilizations have tried (and failed) to restore the great empire to its full glory. While that seemed to be a trend in early days, now, people seem content with leaving it in the past. Roman culture still works its way into our culture today. Video games, books, movies, shows, almost all forms of media have a Roman story told through them. And why wouldn't they? Rome was a great empire that deserves to be remembered throughout history and the years to come.

Daily Reflection: Thursday

Today, we visited the National Museum Of American History and that's about it. We got to sleep in a little bit in the morning since we weren't on a tight schedule so we had time to spare. It felt good even if it was just an extra few minutes, regardless I was still tired. It was strangely cold in the morning which is weird since the climate so far has been moderate and warm. It was overcast however so we might get some rain later tomorrow or the next day.

The Museum of American History shows what you can expect, American History. However it focuses more on the culture of America rather than the dates and the facts. The museums have sections based on politics, money, cars, toys, inventions, and lots of other stuff. The museum gift shop also has stuff about American history and culture. And they have Star Wars stuff.

What I learned today was that the homeless people problem in DC is pretty bad as of now. We've been approached numerous times throughout the week by beggars and yeah I will admit I have given them some money but I know they're just going to buy drugs with it anyways. Today however it happened yet again. This time worse and more pushy than before. And I hate not giving to them cause then I feel bad but I know they'll just buy drugs with it if I do give it to them.

What I liked the most about today was how laid back the day was. We didn't do much and we all got to hang out with each other a lot. I know we do it almost all the time but after being out and about so much over the past few days, it's nice to just chill for a while you know? It was nice to just walk and visit and see new things with no rush or anything to it. Good vibes all around.

What I disliked the most about today would have to be that the Museum didn't have the C3-PO that I wanted to see. Ms.Gill spelled it "CP3O" on the scavenger hunt sheet however and it's kinda funny. Another thing I dislike is the day of Thursday in general. I'll explain, almost every Thursday throughout my life, something bad happens. Now these events vary in seriousness as sometimes they could just be breaking something on accident or accidentally deleting something but other times it can be more serious but I won't go into it. I'm worried still as I right this however, as nothing bad has happened today but I know with my luck something will happen. I can think of one major thing that could go wrong with a certain person but I will not elaborate because I would need a whole different paper about that.

How can today relate to my life? Well, I'm American, I've been around American culture all my life. And while it may be "looked down upon" by other nations, I have no problem with my culture. I will say though, being raised around nothing but American culture can lead to some cluelessness regarding what is and is not acceptable to people of other cultures and backgrounds. Id like to think that I've learned a bit about other cultures thanks to my friends but I'm still pretty clueless sometimes.

Daily Reflection: Wednesday

Today we visited Ford's Theater and the IMAX theater in the Smithonian, along with the Peterson House. Fords Theater was the place that Abraham Lincoln got shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14th 1865. The Peterson House is where Lincoln was brought to be nursed and eventually died the next day in that very house. The Smithonian IMAX theater doesn't have much historical significance but it does show movies of historic significance. Their movies include things about WW II and space things.

What I learned from the most was probably Fords Theater and the Peterson House. The impact of Abraham Lincoln extends throughout years and years of American history and even until today. He was an icon during the Civil Rights Movement and during other social crises. The Lincoln Memorial, which we visited on Monday, can still be viewed and his addresses still read. Hopefully he continues to be an icon of freedom for years to come.

Fords Theater as I mentioned before, is where Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14th 1865 during a play, the theater still functions as an actual theater despite this event. The Peterson House has become a museum of sorts to Lincoln and the things he did. The Smithsonian IMAX is just a movie theater now though. They do show Star Wars there so I like it. Given however, the theater still shows educational things, and Star Wars.

My favorite thing of the day would probably have to be the movie at the IMAX theater. The 3D didn't feel forced or added in for quick appeal, it was really well done and didn't feel forced. The movie was also educational and didn't rely too heavily on action to keep your attention. I did notice a few people falling asleep during the movie but that can be expected with anything we watch as a class. The movie was about D-Day and the planning and careful coordination that went into the invasion. It was actually quite well done.

My least favorite thing would have to be the delays we experienced on the metro. Sure this is what city life is like but it kinda threw everyone's schedule off. Apparently there was smoke on the tracks and they couldn't move the train until given the all clear to do so. I'm sure that kind of thing happens all the time in this city but it's the first I've experienced it. I was very worried later on though that the train might crash, after all, we never did find out why there was smoke on the tracks, we just went.

How can today relate to my life? Well, we did see all the good things that Abraham Lincoln did in detail and that's all good but that's not very relatable. I think what I can relate to the most was the metro delay, and prepare for some deep philosophical talk right here. You see, when we were stuck there on the train for the delay, me and my friends were all just, talking and acting goofy, and it made me think of a deeper meaning behind it all. Sometimes, life will give us delays, but what we choose to do with that spare time can make memories that you will cherish forever. That's what happened, one day I will look back on this trip and wish I could do it all again. One day.

Daily Reflection: Tuesday

Today we visited the National Air and Space museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, the Korean War memorial, and the World War II memorial. We kept going and going for hours and hours and didn't stop walking until we were nearly dead and needed our own memorial. "Here lies the Oaks Junior class, they never stopped walking"

The historical significance of the Air and Space museum is that it is a place for all types of aviation to combine and be shown to the masses. Certain iconic things such as the wright flyer and the Spirit Of St Louis are there as well. The Washington Monument commemorates our first president, George Washington. The Lincoln memorial commemorates Abraham Lincoln and his emancipation of the slaves. The Vietnam Memorial commemorates those who fought in Vietnam. Same with Korean War memorial and WW II. 

I learned a lot from certain places, I knew everything from the Air and Space museum though but it was still cool. I did learn a lot about the scale of war from the Vietnam memorial. I had a grandpa that served and it was very strange to think that these names on the wall could've known him. I remember he used to tell me about rubbing the pencil names of his buddies from the war, I wish he was still around to do that. 

The thing I liked the most was the Air and Space museum. As an aspiring pilot I really enjoy most forms of aviation and I hope I can fly commercial or fighter jets one day. By then we will have lots of new advanced forms of aviation so seeing the humble beginnings of aviation is very humbling. The space aspect of the museum is also very cool as space is another one of my strange fascinations. I guess I'm attracted to that infinite expanse of blackness where literally everything is possible. 

The thing I disliked most about the day was the walking. That's pretty much the only thing. My feet still hurt as I'm typing this so it was pretty bad. That combined with the sleep deprivation was not good for anyone. I heard a lot of people complaining about that throughout the day.

April 7th 1862

On this day, April 7, 1862, the Battle Of Shiloh concludes in the western reaches of Tennessee. The Civil War up to this point, had been a long and ultimately unavoidable conflict that took place from 1861 through 1865. The war seemed to do more harm than good for the country in itself. True the slavery debate and secession threats were over and done with but the issues of racism throughout the country still remained. The economy of the south collapsed as a result of the war but that is to be expected from the losing side of any war. On top of all of this the physical damage to the land itself meant that farmlands were unsuitable for growing any food for anyone and the whole country had to suffer for it. The loss of human life in the Civil War was unprecedented up until World War II and it still remains as one of the bloodiest conflicts in American history. The Battle Of Shiloh was one of the most influential battles of the south as the Confederacy controlled the railways at Corinth, which allowed for complete control of western Tennessee so this made it an important target for the Union. The battle lasted for two days and the Union troops, under the command of Ulysses S. Grant, lost about 13,407 men, while the Confederacy lost around 10,694. This battle showed both sides just how long the war would go on and how many lives would be forever lost or changed by the bloody conflict. The battle finally ended in a Union victory.

Back at this current time in history the Civil War had just started. The South kept on beating the North over and over again in various battles leading up to this one. The Union finally winning a battle, let alone one of this much importance, was a huge boost to Northern morale. But the costs of the battle were great, and the battle would be regarded as one of the bloodiest battles of the whole war up until the second battle at Bull Run. The Union and Confederacy had already fought a few times before, so the armies soldiers were used to the fighting by now. Nevertheless as we all know, war will change people, and the tired weariness of the soldiers must have contributed to the whole victory or loss depending on what side you’re on. As we all know, the Civil War would eventually end with a Union victory and the Confederacy re-integrating into the Union. The whole country would have to work together in the end to reconstruct the battered nation and bring forth their own age of prosperity later on, and the destruction of the Civil War lad the perfect foundation to do that with.

Today, the Civil War remains one of the most influential parts of American history as it marks a turning point for the nation in terms of both politics and attitudes towards things like war, slavery, racism, and political disagreements. The Civil War is often seen as one big event but it  is actually a series of small events such as this one that all build up to and lead to a certain conclusion, meaning that every small or large scale battle would ultimately affect the whole war in some way. Most people today don’t remember much about the battles of the Civil War, rather, they choose to just focus on the big outcomes, such as the assassination of Lincoln or the victory of the Union, but in reality, these small events are just as important as the others as each one helped mold and create one of the biggest chain of events in American history. Today, in the very same spot that this battle was fought, a national cemetery and monument is there to commemorate those who fell during the battle at Shiloh on both sides. The cemetery there actually contains some bodies of Civil War soldiers themselves who fought in the battle. This has sparked some controversy about whether the Confederate soldiers deserve the same burial treatment and memorial honors as the Union soldiers. Many people view them as nothing more than rebels with racist ideals who lost the war. Lots of people demand that the graves of the Confederate soldiers should be moved or gotten rid of. These people's views were skewed but they were still people nonetheless, and they should be ragarded as such. The respect of the dead applies to all people, even the enemies. The monument seeks to ensure that they will never be forgotten. 

April 1st

On this day, April 1st 1945, U.S. troops land on the island of Okinawa Japan. The U.S. forces were determined to set up a base of operations there. Having suffered heavy losses over the past few battles the troops were fatigued but determined. The U.S. was so persistent on setting up a base here because they wanted to use it to prepare their forces for an invasion of mainland Japan later in the year. The Japanese used tactics such as Kamikaze and suicide raids to increase the number of casualties, but likewise they decreased their own resources and weakened their own forces. Eventually the Japanese continued to be weakened by both the Allied troops and their own foolish strategies until they finally surrendered a while later.

This invasion proved to be the next step to crippling the Japanese into submission. The Pacific campaign was aimed to do exactly that, by capturing Japanese territories and islands around the Pacific Ocean and later preparing to invade the Japanese mainland. After capturing Okinawa the U.S. forces met little resistance from the civilians and soldiers since the brunt of the forces had been used and killed in the initial attacks.