Our first field trip was a huge success! Our class received many compliments from our guides and chaperones for our respectful behavior while we visited the Wilmington National Cemetery to pay our respects to fallen soldiers and their families. We learned that there are soldiers buried there from every major war and from all over the United States...even Puerto Rico! Family members are also permitted to be buried there, but space is more limited now, so only a few people a year receive the honor of resting in such a distinguished place. A local hero from Afghanistan, TJ Butler, was laid to rest here only a few weeks ago, and many of us were saddened to hear of his passing. We made sure to find TJ to pay our respects.
We also learned all about keeping our trash out of our waterways and about many animals that live in our area that are friendly, such as the Granddaddy Longlegs spider that we met! It was a beautiful, chilly fall day, and the cemetery and nearby Burnt Mill Creek watershed were so peaceful. We especially enjoyed the pretty spanish moss. It was also extra special that we got to visit on Halloween! Our guide even let some of us try on her witch's hat! Check out the pictures from our trip! Thank you, Cape Fear River Watch, for taking us on a cool adventure right in our own backyard!
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This is our group walking along Burnt Mill Creek, right next door to Snipes.
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| We saw the creek and plants up close. |
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| The national cemetery is beautiful. |
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| We were solemn as we read the names of the men and women buried here and learned about the different branches of the military. |
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| TJ Butler, local hero from Afghanistan |
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| Can you see the Granddaddy Longlegs in her hand? They don't bite! |
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| Camarion and the rest of the class were delighted to find hickory nuts under the giant trees. |
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| Madison got into the spirit of Halloween with our guide's hat! |
