Joanie,
Words cannot express my appreciation for your reporting of your experiences. We sat in front of the TV and watched Fox News the whole time - singing along with the anthems, appreciating the quiet times without commentary and wishing that we could be there on Constitution Avenue also. We were there only four weeks ago. Excellent job of eyewitness reporting, with feeling and reverence.
Then your essay -- wow.
This thread is definitely a keeper. I will pass the link to my email friends and hope that they take the time to read it.
Thank you -- Randy in San Diego area
Your kind comments, and interest in passing this along, are much appreciated. Thank you.