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It’s our first day in Washington D.C. and Chloe and I are ecstatic!  I was checking my list to confirm I had everything. We’ve been ready for hours, but mom made us eat a hearty breakfast so we’d have plenty of energy. While finishing our vittles, dad asked what we wanted to see first.

“Let’s go to the mall.” Chloe said. “The mall?”  I asked. “Chloe, are you joking? We drove all this way to see the most fantastic monuments in the world and you want to go to the mall?” I replied in my most serious voice, confident my parents would agree.  When I saw their smiles, I felt the ‘Open mouth, insert paw’ feeling. “I’m not talking about a shopping mall,” Chloe said, “but the National Mall - the open-area national park in the middle of the district where many of the museums and memorials are located.” “That’s more like it,” I replied, slurping down the last drop of orange juice and strapping on my Scooby backpack. “What are we waiting for?”

Prancing along, I was amazed at the stately buildings. They had columns, etching, and some even had words inscribed. They were more beautiful than the pictures I had seen or colored. Looking at the street signs and checking my map, I realized we were on Constitution Avenue. The first place that caught my eye was the National Archives building. I didn’t know what archives were, but I snapped a photo of the majestic structure. Dad explained that archives were a collection of historical documents. Honestly, old papers didn’t sound exciting, but dad promised we would enjoy it, and would learn much needed information. “Besides Woody,” dad continued, “our trip will be more meaningful if you understand America’s history.”

We noticed many people looking around and whispering. We saw guards in uniforms standing erect and helpers at the front desk giving information.  Mom picked up a brochure and began reading.  She explained the National Archives protects the records of the government. It also displays the original documents known as the Charters of Freedom like the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence.  I was confused. “Bill of Rights? Constitution?” I had so many questions. A guard must have noticed my confusion because he approached and asked my name. “I’m Woo- I mean, uh um, Dogwood and this is my sister, Chloe.” I also explained this was our first time in D.C.  I then lowered my head and confessed I didn’t know much about the making of America. He invited us on a tour of the Archives and promised to explain things and help me become more civic-minded.  I didn’t know what being civic-minded was, but I was relieved I would soon find out.

“Before we look around, let me give you a brief history lesson,” the nice gentleman said. “In 1775, Great Britain ruled America.  The colonists (people living in America’s 13 colonies) were angry because they didn’t have rights. They had to follow the rules of the British king. When the king said ‘Pay more taxes!’ the Americans said ‘No Way!’ so the colonists and the British began to fight. The colonists realized they needed to declare their freedom from Great Britain, so in June and July of 1776, the colonists chose some men to help with declaring their freedom.  Thomas Jefferson wrote what we call the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams assisted him, among others. The declaration stated that everyone had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. So, on July 4 of 1776, representatives of the 13 colonies approved the declaration and the United States was born. After this, America still had to fight many years to be free, but the declaration was the first step.” I was silent.  “Wow!” I finally said. “I thought there had always been a United States. I didn’t know men and women had to work to make America.” The guard smiled and said, “Dogwood, you have no idea!” 

Finally, the gentleman asked if the four of us would like to see the Declaration of Independence. “It’s here?” I asked. “It’s right here. Follow me,” the guard said.  I couldn’t believe it. This had to be a dream come true! 

So, fellow Americans, we’re on our way to see an important piece of history. I have to concentrate, so it’s goodbye for now. In the meantime, work and dream like a big dog!

Woody, a k a Mr. Dogwood

Thanks to LG&E/KU both E.ON companies and KPA for making this project possible. Thanks to the Kentucky Secretary of State for sponsoring the new podcast. For podcast and questions and activities go online to www.kypress.com.