In May of 2025, I brought my 8th-grade class on a three-day trip to Washington, DC, that was led by School Tours of America. The excursion was a culmination of a year-long study of government, politics, and political figures in the Civics class that I teach. There were many incredible highlights and memorable moments on our journey; however, the experience that stood out the most to my students and me was our time spent in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

 

 

We arrived there on a hot afternoon, equipped with neck fans and reusable water bottles. Our exceptional STA tour guides led us through the busy visitor center and past the many graves of the individuals who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. Of course, the eternal flame found at President John F. Kennedy’s gravesite served as a truly poignant moment for my class, as well as the memorials to the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters. Seeing what all of these people sacrificed for our country helped put our own lives in perspective. The climax of the afternoon, however, was the final thing we witnessed.

 

 

It was now time for our group to take the long walk up the hill of Arlington Cemetery to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an empty crypt that honors all missing and unidentified soldiers from our 20th-century wars. Traveling with School Tours of America gave us the opportunity to lay a wreath at the tomb and have four of our students participate directly in the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

 

As we gathered for this special tradition, my students stood with their eyes fixed firmly upon the guardsmen. As the ceremony commenced, I could see the smiles on many of their faces, proud to witness something so special and appreciative that our school was represented there. As for the four of our students who were fortunate enough to assist the soldiers in charge of the ceremony, they later explained to me that it served as one of the most memorable moments of their lives. Their parents reached out to me and expressed their gratitude that their children played a role in such a timeless event. I, myself, could not have been more proud that our 8th graders were able to witness the changing of the guard in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

 

This wonderful and life-changing experience would not have been possible without School Tours of America. Their representatives and trip leaders plan every aspect of your trip and ensure your group has the full Washington, DC experience. Their tour guides have years of experience working with teenage students and know how to make any building, monument, or memorial relatable to middle and high school students. The STA team is also available to you if any problems arise with your tour, such as a medical issue or a surprise cancellation. Overall, Washington, DC, is done best when booked through School Tours of America.