Day 5: Sunday Funday

Today is duped Sunday Funday, and as such, we began the day at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown DC for a lively and inspiring Palm Sunday Service. The worship service included lively music and song, under the direction of the renowned Reverend Ronald E.Braxton, Senior Pastor.

The church was founded in 1838, in the District of Columbia. It is the oldest A.M.E. Church in Washington, DC, the nation's capital. The church represents the 1870's merger of two A.M.E. congregations, Israel Bethel (1821) and Union Bethel (1838), a stop on the Underground Railroad. The name "Metropolitan" was officially designated and recognized by the general A.M.E. Church in 1872.

{Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church}

Reverend Braxton delivered an inspiring sermon under the theme, “The Art of Overcoming.” He delivered some powerful messages that align completely with the themes of leadership that we are learning.  His simple, yet serendipitous message:

1. Believe in yourself
2. Believe in what you stand for
3. Master the ability to overcome

One notable thing that the Reverend referenced was: “Learn how to take it and don’t let them see you sweat.”  He explained that overcoming difficult situations is not easy and you have to practice, have faith and believe in yourself above all else. A very powerful and relevant leadership lesson.

After church let out, we had our first free day of the trip!  Everyone dispersed and had plans in place to recharge, meet with friends or spend time at leisure learning more about the history of the area.  Some notable areas visited were the Spy Museum and Smithsonian.  And some people took a much needed afternoon cat nap!

{Above: Smithsonian American Art Museum}
{Below: International Spy Museum}

That evening, the class and guests congregated for an evening Monument Tour.  The weather did not prevail (as has been the theme for the trip) and turned into freezing cold ice/snow/rain mid trip.  However, most of us were troopers and made it until the very end!  We were very lucky to have a few alumni in town for the DC Exchange Program join us, including fellow Anthony Bozzano’s brother Leno...and  keeping in the family theme, we also had fellow Shannon Leigh’s mom & sister join as well! 

We toughed it out despite the inclimate weather and saw some amazing sites!  Our first stop was the WWII Memorial.  Our next stops were the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Memorial.  We finished off the tour with an amazing trip to the Korean, Lincoln & Vietnam War memorials and on our drive home we had an amazing view of the White House.

{Above: Candid photo of Class 43 & Family at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial}
{Below: Class 43 Fellows Bill Lewis, Eric Genzoli, Leon Etchepare and Chris White}

We especially loved the Thomas Jefferson Memorial as he was a farmer and lover of books!  The FDR Memorial has Four Rooms that represent the themes of: Optimism, Depression, New Deal  & War.  He also had a very cute statuette of his dog.  The MLK Memorial is only 1 year old and an amazing depiction of a civil rights hero.  The Korean War Memorial had an illuminating depiction of 19 soldiers walking in the rain and was eerily reminiscent of the War.  Abraham Lincoln’s Memorial was an astounding 19 feet tall and the Vietnam War Memorial is a continuous reminder of the hero’s that have been injured or died for our country in service, with an overflow of gifts, visits and admiration from those that commemorate the memorial. 

All in all, a more laid back day than most, but still one filled with a resounding message about adversity, courage, and hope.  Seeing the leadership lesson in every visit and choice the fellows made was ever present and the midday downtown allowed for some much needed reflection. J

Content Contributed by Presiding Fellows:  Danielle Burke,  Shannon Leigh and Jim McGarry