Day 9

A week of no sleeping is finally catching up to all of us, but we all got up early and headed to the Pentagon! To get to the Pentagon, some of us experienced our first subway ride (we had a little bit of trouble working the ticket machine). Once we got the tickets, we loaded up, some almost didn't make it in the door! Once getting to the Pentagon, we had to run because they almost cancelled our tour. During the tour we visited the 911 memorial, walked through the 235th birthday party of the U.S. Army, and walked around the whole perimeter of the Pentagon.
Once the tour was over we hopped back on the subway headed back to the bus, and on to the mall via our bus. We then had a free day. Some spent the day shopping or visiting the museums like the Holocaust, Air & Space, or the National Archives. Yet others went to the Hard Rock Cafe, or got conned into buying some great deals at the store by a salesman.
We met at 4 O'clock to head back to a subway then tried getting on a bus (there were lots of states trying to get on the bus). It took three buses to get us all back. Some of us got on free since the driver got irritated that it took too long, which was a good deal for those that didn't have to pay.
Upon returning to the national 4-H Center we dropped our bags and rushed to dinner which happened to be a cookout. After dinner we met as a delegation one last time to fill out surveys about the week's events. We also presented our gift basket to our amazing PA , Aly. I think KAMO got to her because not only was she wearing her "I Love Beef" pin on her headband, but she also vowed to hang the "Eat Beef" license plate in her room. All rather funny considering she is a vegetarian.
Following delegation wrap up was the talent show, opened by Ashley Fitzimmons singing a beautiful National Anthem. Rebekah blew the crowd away with her musical skills and Bryan and Cain provided chuckles with their comedy routines. Surprise act of the night was Harrison who beat boxed Free Bird by request. Finally we danced the night away and packed and hit the hay.

Catherine Huck & Ronnie Hart