We waited and waited and went through the security clearance. After only 57 minutes, we were actually at the door to the Capitol. It probably took us an extra 10 minutes, because we took so many pictures along the way!
As we approached the door, a woman gave us the commemorative card as shown above. We then proceeded to the bottom of the 33 steps to climb up to the rotunda to see the casket. As we approached the bottom of the steps, the staff asked everyone to lower their voices and keep quiet.
As we got to the top of the steps, the first thing you could see was a room full of reporters and cameras. It was packed. They were covering every angle. There were even cameras aimed at us. The line slowed up a little. Then a man reached out to shake my hand, and there was a camera in my face. He said, "Hi, I'm Jack Ford, and I'm here to welcome you on behalf of the family." I was so shocked, I did not even know what to say. I had no idea that there would be any family members there. I think my mouth probably just dropped open. I did say that I remember him(Jack) coming to speak at my college. Then, a couple of feet away was a woman who reached out and shook my hand. She was clearly a family member, but I did not know who she was.
We then proceeded to pass slowly by the casket in silence. It was an incredible experience.
We then turned to go out. Just then we saw Bob Dole carrying on a conversation with someone. I know I was surprised to see someone there that I actually recognized. I think we both must have stared at him too long, because he turned and gave us a big smile and waved to us. My friend concluded that I was the one attracting the attention here, since I was bundled up like an Eskimo in our mild 50 degree weather!!!
