We watched with horror on January 6as the U.S. Capitol was invaded by a huge mob of homegrown insurrectionists, terrorists from within our boundaries. They stormed the Capitol steps on a mission to defile this building graced with the Statue of Freedom rising high above its dome. It is surely one of the most sacred symbols of our democracy.
I was honored to serve as a Member of Congress from our Central Coast for 20 years, including the dark day of September 11, 2001, when our nation was attacked by foreign terrorists, insurrectionists from abroad. On that day, as a nation, we were all united in our response to this enemy. Instinctively, at the end of that infamous day, we Members of Congress knew to gather on those same Capitol steps, feeling the need for unity, and to hold hands as we sang, “God Bless America.” Yes, it is a sacred place!
These days I’m occasionally asked to recall special memories of my time in public office. There are many, but rising to the top is another remembrance also having to do with the Capitol steps.