Grade VI Trip to Gettysburg
On Tuesday, April 22, 2014, the sixth grade and a small army of parents boarded a bus and headed to Pennsylvania for a three-day historical tour of Philadelphia and Gettysburg. An annual field trip, stories from previous journeys had these passengers geared up for a moving experience. And they had an unforgettable trip! Upon return a parent chaperone submitted the following poem revealing the impact on this year’s spirited participants. Photographs are thanks to Toby D.
St. Bernard’s Regiment/Gettysburg 2014
Under the Command of Mr. Moraitis and Mr. Landesman
Poem by Nina K., mother of Artemis K.
CHARGE! Is St. Bernard’s battle call
for the Gettysburg haul.
Under our Generals–Moraitis and Landesman–all were fed,
not a child nor any of the chaperones left for dead.
To be St. Bernard’s properly schooled
it was by Landesman and Moraitis’rules.
Our St. Bernard’s infantry boys had a new pal
under the Calvary command of our driver, Al.
Good news, for those on the home front:
All survived,
indeed thrived.
So hence this proclamation,
a thank you for the education.
Our march into Penn. State
was absolutely first rate.
A stop at the Liberty Bell,
boys were heard to say “swell.”
At Constitution Center
revolutionary dissenters
talked of “we the people” come first;
the 13 colonies were going to burst.
That the idea of our demo-crassy
was too bold and brassy,
and that for the Union to survive,
a war had arrived.
That ten roads lead to Gettysburg town,
nine steps to load a musket rifle,
over 51,000 died before being crowned,
whether blue or grey, all heroes, rightful.
That when the three battle days were done,
Confederacy’s retreat had begun.
But this is just a token
of the sights and sounds
of St. B’s feet on hallowed ground,
of all the words spoken
on and off the bus and fields,
oh, the memories this trip yields.
We’ll be forever bound,
appreciation most profound.
Three cheers for Landesman and Moraitis!
