On April 6 members of Let’s Travel began a 9-day tour Collette organized to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country.
The dusting of snow on the first morning in Cambridge might not have been historical, but it was enjoyed by the Texas group.
As the tour began, the travelers followed the roads used by the British as they marched into and through Lexington and Concord. When the 700 British troops reached the Commons in Lexington, they were met with 77 militiamen who were ready to defend the area. The members of the militia were farmers and businessmen ready to fight when needed. The British were surprised by the resistance they encountered.
The British continued to Concord where they met more resistance at the North Bridge. The British were forced to retreat to Boston. These battles were the beginning of an 8-year war that ended with the British being defeated and the creation of the United States of America.
By mid-June of 1775 George Washington was named Commander of the Continental Army. His troops endured many hardships as they continued to fight the British troops. As the British Army took control of New York and Philadelphia, Washington established an encampment at Valley Forge for the winter. With the help of a French officer, Washington was able to establish a routine of living and training that resulted in holding the army together and preparing it to fight once the weather cleared.
Washington realized the importance of defending the Hudson River. He considered West Point to be a most important Post during the Revolutionary War. Maintaining the defense of this area was key during the war.
The travelers enjoyed a tour of West Point which included the opportunity to watch a training exercise involving a Lakota helicopter and four paratroopers. The guide for the tour explained the commitment necessary to complete the requirements of a cadet enrolled in West Point. Each cadet received academic training as well as military training.
New York City was the next stop on the tour. The city tour included a stop at Central Park, a visit to the 9/11 Memorial, a walk past St. Paul’s Chapel, where President Washington prayed following his inauguration. The walking tour continued past Trinity Church where Alexander Hamilton was laid to rest.
The Fraunces Tavern, established in 1762, was a special place to enjoy a delicious lunch at the end of the walking tour. This tavern is especially well known as the place where Washington met with his officers to celebrate the British troops leaving American soil.
The travelers chose to spend the last night in New York City attending the Broadway production of “Hamilton.”
The following day found the travelers in Philadelphia. Time was spent at Independence Hall where the leaders of the new country signed the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. There also was time to visit the Liberty Bell and be reminded of its significance in our county’s history.
Before leaving Philadelphia, the travelers did stop at the “Rocky Steps” in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for a few photos.
On their way to Washington, D.C., the group was led by a park guide through the Valley Forge National Historical Park. The travelers were able to visit log cabins similar to the ones used during the time of the war. Also, period-dressed volunteers demonstrated life at the encampment during the time spent there.
The last three nights of the tour were spent in Wahington, D.C., which was George Wahington’s choice for the location of the capital.
The first morning was spent touring several memorials. The group visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial.
After lunch everyone spent time at Arlington National Cemetery. Trams are used to transport visitors through the cemetery. One stop was made at the burial site of President Kennedy with the eternal flame.
The final tram stop is at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The visitors had time to witness the laying of two wreaths as well as the changing of the guards. Each of these is a somber ceremony as the many soldiers buried at the cemetery are remembered.
The last day of touring included a guided tour through the U.S. Capitol. Here the visitors were reminded of the history made and still being made in this historic building.
After lunch in the Capitol cafeteria, the travelers visited Mt. Vernon, the home of George Washington. Here the group learned much about what went on at the beloved home and how activities and events were managed during the historic time of the first President of the United States of America.
Let’s Travel members who were on this tour were: Don and deLou Corbitt, Ray and Connie Jones of Mexia; Cindy Hillis, Masami Lemaster, Hanida Oliver, Sheree Wood of Buffalo; Donna Gipson of Rice; Jerri McBay and Sharon Wilson of Fairfield.
Anyone interested in participating on a Collette tour celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S.A. can contact Jerri McBay at 903-388-2243 for available dates of this tour still being offered.
There is one more tour being offered by Let’s Travel during 2026. The “Discover New England Holiday” is a Collette tour scheduled for December 8-14. This tour includes attending a Christmas concert of the Boston Symphony, enjoying a two-night stay at the Omni Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, and even a cookie decorating class, plus more adventures. Be sure to contact Jerri McBay before May 15 if you would like more information about this tour.
Plans for 2027 for Let’s Travel include a June tour to Mackinac Island and Niagara Falls plus a December tour to Nashville that ends in Asheville with a visit to the Biltmore Hotel.
