Mixed Emotions in the U.S Capitol Building

I’ve been looking forward all week to visiting the U.S. Capitol Building. This morning I joined a wonderful group of educators for a tour led by historian Steven Livengood of the US Capitol Historical Society. So much of my mental picture of the building has been clouded by the violent images of the January 6 insurrection. I was hoping that a visit would help to lessen some of the anxiety that has lingered from that horrible afternoon.

On the one hand, it was encouraging to see thousands of my fellow citizens touring the capitol as well as employees, Capitol Police, and members of Congress going about their business. Life goes on.

The history, art, and rich symbolism contained in the capitol was much sharper and vibrant compared with previous visits, but as I walked and listened to our guide I found myself growing more and more upset as I thought back to January 6. I could feel my anxiety level rising.

How could they desecrate such a sacred space? Who did these people think they were? I couldn’t help but think that these were the same hallways where insurrectionists threatened to hang the Vice President and Speaker of the House. These were the same doors and windows that were broken open with Trump flags. People lost their lives that day and countless others were seriously injured.

At one point I just wanted to leave.

But as we entered Statuary Hall one of our teachers was unexpectedly greeted by a Capitol Police officer and former student. Watching them embrace brought a tear to my eye. At one point I went up to him and quietly thanked him for protecting the public and making it possible for us to be there today.

And then out of the corner of my eye I caught the statue of Mary McLeod Bethune—the newest statue to be added to Statuary Hall.

By the end of the tour I felt much more relaxed. It was nice to have shared this experience with some incredibly passionate teachers from acros the country who are committed to helping their students navigate these difficult times.

It occured to me that I will never walk through the Capitol Building again with the same feeling of confidence in our democracy. Perhaps that is a good thing. Perhaps we all need to remember January 6 as a reminder of the fragility of our democracy and our individual responsibility to help to maintain it.