Wings of Glory and Might

Day 1

Embark on an adventure to Virginia to discover the true soul of our country and shine a light on those who helped shape it: the Veterans of the United States of America. Say thank you to previously forgotten veterans who have been successfully laid to rest next to their brothers and sisters in arms, step foot on the first ship authorized to serve in the Continental Navy and see our collective history through the eyes of our Marine Corps and Army service members. Join us on a tour to experience the true meaning of patriotism.

Visit the National Air & Space Museum’s Steven Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA. There you will see displays of aviation and space artifacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, a Blackbird SR-71, and a Concorde, in two large hangars. From the first flight, to the first steps on the moon, and beyond, discover stories of air and space in their unique exhibitions.

Enjoy a Manassas National Battlefield driving tour. On July 21, 1861, two armies clashed for the first time on the fields overlooking Bull Run. Heavy fighting swept away any notion of a quick war. In August 1862, Union and Confederate armies converged for a second time on the plains of Manassas. The Confederates won a solid victory bringing them to the height of their power. Hotel accommodation for two nights in Manassas, VA.

Day 2

Arrive at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico (formerly named Quantico National Cemetery) for a flag placing experience with the
MIAP (Missing in America Project). The purpose of the MIAP is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed cremated remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.

Arrive at the National Museum of the Marine Corps for a self-guided tour. The museum is a lasting tribute to the commitment, accomplishments, and sacrifices of U.S. Marines. Situated on a 135-acre site adjacent to Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, and under the command of Marine Corps University, the Museum's soaring design evokes the images of the flag raisers of Iwo Jima and beckons visitors to this 240,000-square-foot structure. World-class interpretive exhibits with innovative technology and unique artifacts surround visitors and immerse them in the sights and sounds of Marines in action.

Enjoy a self-guided visit at the National Museum of the United States Army which celebrates over 245 year of army history and honors our nation’s soldiers - past, present, and future - the regular Army, the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard. The Museum tells stories through the very eyes and voices of our Soldiers. From the historic “Fighting for the Nation Gallery” to the “Army & Society Gallery,” the artifacts, exhibits and programmatic elements will help you discover new stories and explore the ways our nation has benefited from the innovation and advancement of its Army.

Stop at Alexandria’s Waterfront for a tour of the Tall Ship Providence. Make your mark and join the Continental Navy. Travel back in time and learn about life aboard a Continental ship as Providence’s newest recruits. Meet the legendary Captain John Paul Jones and hear him tell the tale of one of Providence’s exciting adventures. (The ship does not leave the dock during this tour.) Providence is a working ship, and access to the upper and lower decks are via short ladders.  We recommend wearing flat shoes that are easy to climb and explore in. Visit the Senator John Warner Maritime Heritage Center after the tour.(B,D)

Day 3

This morning you will visit the Ben Lomond Historic Site for a tour and musket firing demonstration. Tour the house, which Confederate forces used as a hospital following the 1861 Battle of First Manassas and find the many signatures of Federal soldiers who occupied the property in 1862 on the walls. Here you can smell, touch, hear, and taste history in an immersive environment. Then see the restored slave quarters, smokehouse, and dairy. Walk the grounds and visit the fragrant Rose Garden. 

Before starting your journey home, you will visit George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor. General George C. Marshall was Time magazine's Man of the Year twice. He led the U.S. Army to victory in World War II, served as Secretary of State and of Defense, and even led the American Red Cross. General Marshall and his wife called Dodona Manor home. Today, the 19th-century house and gardens are lovingly tended, all preserved as a living reminder of his inspiring leadership. Tour the house, visit the garden (General Marshall was an avid green thumb) and revisit a moment in time when American leadership saved democracy and preserved peace during troubled times.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner