Citizenship Washington Focus

Wednesday, June 22

Delegates on the steps of the Capitol Building

Delegates interacting with Senator Jerry Moran.

Congressional Library

Soldiers lined and ready during Twilight Tattoo.
This particular set of soldiers was the band. 

Iwo Jima

We left in professional attire at 7:30 AM from the center for the capital. We arrived and watched a film about the history of the Capitol and the nation called "E pluribus unum" or "out of many, one." We then got a tour of the Capitol building starting with the crypt and then the dome (covered in scaffolding sadly.) After our tour we walked underground to the library of congress. After our tour we walked underground tot he library of congress. We then met senator Jerry Moran in the Capitol visitors center where we got to meet him and as him questions about his role and what he does on a day to day basis. We ate lunch in the Longworth Food Court which is also a representative office building. After lunch we separated into the four Kansas districts and met with our representatives. Thirteen people met with District one, Tim Huelscamp, five delegates from District two, Lynn Jenkins, three delegates from District three, Kevin Yoder and eleven delegates from District four, Mike Pompeo. After meeting with our representatives we walked to the Supreme Court building to see the chambers where they discuss cases (but they weren't in session), which allowed us to see it. At that point it was time for dinner and we walked to Union Station to eat in the food court and shop. Also, while in Union Station we changed into our green Citizenship Washington Focus polo and khakis or jeans to match the rest of the delegations. We then hopped on the bus to Twilight Tattoo, a military performance. At twilight we were able to witness an excellent performance of members of the third "old guard" infantry of the US Army at Fort Myers. We got o see replicas of historic army uniforms and gun firings. The drill team also performed routines with sharp bayonets. Overall twilight tattoo was amazing and is an unforgettable memory from CWF that I and hopefully most of the Kansas delegation will never forget. After the performance we bused to the Iwo Jima Memorial with the six boys raising the US flag. Our PA, Ariana, told us a sad, but true story of the six boys and their lives before the battle. After the Iwo Jima Memorial, we traveled to the Pentagon Memorial. This was my favorite and least favorite for specific reasons. It was my favorite because it was extremely touching to me to see that I was born the same year as the youngest victim; 1998. It was my least favorite because I hate knowing how many people died and I can't do anything to change that. Overall today was amazing and emotional. But the Kansas delegation had experiences today they will never forget. 

-Janae

**Chaperones Commentary**

Today was a VERY long day for us all. Parents/Guardians should all be extremely proud of the work your young adults are doing here in our Nations Capitol. They presented themselves with such poise and professionalism during their interactions with our senator and each district representatives. We as chaperones have been given multiple compliments on how well our delegates have behaved, dressed and interacted with others. They are all exhausted, (so are we) but enthusiastic to see what Thursday has to offer as we head into the final stages of congressional discussions among the CWF participants.