
Freedom is not free... The Capital Region is rich in the history of our shared American journey to become and remain a free nation. Voices of Freedom will take us through an exciting passage through the American quest for Freedom. From the birth of our nation and constitution, struggles for civil rights, to our modern day struggles with terrorism, we will honor those that have served this great nation and learn about America's quest for liberty.
Visit Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Afterwards enjoy a delicious colonial style lunch at Michie Tavern. Tour Montpelier, newly re-opened after years of extensive authentic renovation work. Montpelier is the home of James and Dolley Madison. James Madison was the fourth President of The United States and Father of the Constitution.
As we head north we'll stop at the National Museum of the Marine Corps to experience what it is like to be a U.S. Marine; celebrate their victories and honor their fallen.
Day two will begin with a visit to Dodona Manor, home of George C. Marshall, citizen-soldier-statesman, and author of the Marshall Plan. Donna Manor was Marshall's retreat during World War II. Later we'll travel to Colonial Old Town Alexandria to dine in historic Gadsby's Tavern. Gadsby's is where nearly all the founders of American Independence enjoyed the warm tavern hospitality. After lunch we'll stop at Christ Church to see the pews of George Washington and Robert E. Lee.
Off to Annapolis, Maryland and The U.S. Naval Academy to see the crypt of John Paul Jones, hero of the American Revolution and Father of the American Navy. While in Annapolis visit the William Pacca House. Pacca was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Tour the Maryland State House, the oldest state house in the nation. The Maryland State House is where the Treaty of Paris was ratified ending the Revolutionary War.
Tonight relax and enjoy a dinner cruise and entertainment aboard the Spirit of Baltimore.
Thursday morning begins with a tour of Baltimore to see the Star Spangled Banner Flag House where Mary Pickersgill hand stitched the fifteen stars & fifteen stripes flag that survived the British bombardment of Fort McHenry. At the dawns early light when the flag was still flying Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the Star Spangled Banner.
Continuing on we'll stop to visit the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History. The museum highlights the history and accomplishments of Maryland's African Americans.
Then off to our Nation's Capital, and the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History to see the original Star Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry. Our tour today includes a tram tour of Arlington National Cemetery with stops at the Kennedy Grave site and Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers to witness the Changing of the Guard. We'll also visit many national memorial honoring hero statesmen and soldiers, including the new Air Force Memorial and the new September 11, 2001 Memorial at the Pentagon.
Our Farewell Dinner this evening is on the Washington waterfront at popular Phillip's Flagship.
