Honor Veterans with Corporate Travel: Students Share a Mindful Moment of Gratitude

For many students, honoring veterans is one of the most meaningful parts of their trip to Washington, D.C.—and nothing brings that experience to life like hearing from those who have served.

Educational Tours by Corporate Travel offers an exclusive opportunity for students to engage directly with veterans and reflect on the lasting legacy of their service.

Our “Mindful Moments of Gratitude” activity provides a powerful way to honor the mission and sacrifice of our military and fallen soldiers—making it a profound addition to a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. This unique experience connects classroom learning to real-world history, deepening students’ understanding of the human impact of war.

The journey begins at the Women’s Memorial, where students meet a representative from the Mindful Memorial Foundation. After a brief introduction, the group walks to the grave of a Michigan fallen soldier in Section 60 of the cemetery. There, the representative leads a 30-minute guided reflection—an intentional, mindful moment of gratitude. Each student is given a penny to place on the gravesite, symbolizing respect and remembrance, followed by the presentation of a memorial ribbon to take home as a keepsake.

This special opportunity is offered in collaboration with the Mindful Memorial Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veterans transition from military to civilian life. Founded by Purple Heart Recipient Ben King, the Mindful Memorial Foundation empowers veterans to “shed their armor” and address stress and trauma through mindfulness and meditation.

A former Psychological Operations Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Ben served in Iraq, planning missions and building relationships with Iraqi authorities to promote communication and non-forceful influence. After returning home, he rebuilt his mental and physical well-being through mindfulness, meditation, and yoga—later publishing studies demonstrating the effectiveness of these practices for postwar recovery. Today, through the Mindful Memorial Foundation, Ben continues to share these techniques with fellow service members, helping them find peace, resilience, and purpose beyond their military service.

As you plan your tour of Washington D.C., consider the educational and emotional impact of including a Mindful Moment of Gratitude— ask our advisors about opportunities to share this transformative experience with your students!