See my post at the end of this thing - which I put up a few minutes ago - so I don't know the post #. Sorry.
But to repeat - it was estimate that between 5000 and 8000 were going through an hour, times 36 hours.
One of the things that started slowing down the procession was that fols started hanging around at 22 past the hour, or 52 past the hour, to wait for the changing of the Guard.
IF they had stopped that little manuever, the rates would have been ever higher. But when you have 200 people, blocking any others from coming in - well, the line stops dead. They started doing this about 11 AM Thursday - and unfortunately, it wasn't until about 10 hours later, when some experienced Marines came in the Rotunda, and started processing people through, whether it was change of Guard or not.
But for this, the numbers would have been even higher.
They also imporved the queueing - changing it from one circle to two concentric circles, but not having everyone make a complete circle.
After they did this, folks went through a half circle, then were to make a "U" turn, and go out the side door they had passed within the staunchions. This, too, sped up the viewing numbers.
I believe the 8000 per hours, as for grins and giggles, I counted the number in a 10 minute span of time, several times. One time I counted 1500 people, another 1600 people and another time (standing to watch the Changing of the Guard lowered the numbers) 1000. So you takes your pick!
TNT
Saw Ron Reagan as a commenator for the Dog Show today - another job he is not in the least qualified to hold! If he was not Ronald Reagan's son - he would not even be visible! I intend to turn off MSNBC every time they bring him! He is a small man without a heart; he is a sad legacy to Ronald Reagan who worked for what he got and had a heart has big as the California sky!