OLM School Class of 2026 Embarks on Soul of America Trip
Travels to Historic Landmarks in Philadelphia, DC and NYC
In what has become an annual tradition for Our Lady of Mercy School’s 8th Grade class, the soon-to-be-graduates had the opportunity to experience a living tour of our nation’s history with a memorable four-day trip, visiting three major cities last week. “The Soul of America” excursion, a highly anticipated “rite of passage” in the graduating 8th graders’ year, the students, faculty, and chaperones visited some of our nation’s most revered historical landmarks, tracing the birth of our nation from the Liberty Bell to more modern-day monuments and memorials. The group’s journey began in Philadelphia, moved on to our nation’s capital in Washington, DC and concluded with a visit to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
After an early-morning departure on Wednesday, April 29, the group’s first stop was the City of Brotherly Love. There, they visited the Liberty Bell, Independence National Historical Park, and the Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the final resting place of Philadelphia native St. Katharine Drexel. On Thursday, April 30, the morning in Philadelphia included a visit to the National Constitution Center and lunch at Reading Terminal Market as well as a visit to the famed steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art featured in the Rocky movies- a highlight for many, students, teachers and chaperones alike!
The group was then back on the road to Washington, DC. Upon arrival at our Nation’s Capital late in the afternoon, the students visited the National Archives to see authentic copies of our Nation’s founding documents before strolling the National Mall to view the World War II Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the White House. Dinner at Ben’s Chili Bowl fueled the group for an evening of more sights, including the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Vietnam War Memorial.
Friday, May 1 began with a tour of the Capitol Building before the group moved to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, where they were able to tour the largest Catholic church in North America and also celebrate a private Mass with OLM Associate Pastor Father Joseph Brodeur. The tour of the Basilica was particularly impactful for the faculty, parents and students in attendance, as was the late afternoon trip to Arlington National Cemetery which included a special visit with off-duty sentinels from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Dinner at DC’s The Yard House capped off a memorial day in the city!
On Saturday, the group departed DC and headed north to New York City where they boarded a boat tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It was a powerful way to bring home the stories of immigration that have been handed down by many generations. Arriving back at OLM at 9:00 p.m. Saturday night, the group was tired, but grateful for a trip that they will not soon forget!
With a tradition of excellence in Catholic education since 1951, Our Lady of Mercy School supports its students as they strive to be the saints and scholars that God is calling them to be. Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the Pre-K through Grade 8, co-educational Catholic school located in East Greenwich, RI offers its students the opportunity to pursue excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts in a nurturing environment built upon the teachings of the Catholic Church.
