This past weekend I was asked to speak at an event in Richmond, Virginia. After our flight, my husband and I had some time to kill in Washington D.C. so I decided to take him to one of my favorite places, the U.S. Capitol. I absolutely love everything about this building and consider it to be one of my happy places. Despite the 36 degree weather and it snowing, I was determined to go. With each step we took closer to the building, my excitement grew beyond containment. As we safely made it up the first set of stairs, a feat, with all of the ice, I noticed a Capitol police officer marching back and forth at the landing. I couldn’t help myself as I walked up to him and said, “my heart goes out to you for working in this weather.” His response shocked me as he replied, “I have been doing this job for almost five years, and not one person has ever said that to me.”
We ended up talking to him for over half an hour, where we had the opportunity to hear about his service to our country. Despite our frozen toes and shivering in our coats, listening to him as he recounted his time at the Arlington Cemetery where he guarded the tomb of the unknown soldier was so worth it. I don’t know if it was from my excitement as I barely contained myself at being back at the Capitol or the gigantic smile that I could not wipe off of my face, the officer quickly realized my love for this place and asked us if we wanted to go inside. My answer, without a second of hesitation was, “YES!”. With his replacement relieving him from duty, he escorted us inside where we not only got to walk around and explore, but we also got to have lunch there. I felt like a little kid on Christmas day as the entire time I could not stop giggling and smiling. I was surprised that I hadn’t bruised my husband’s arm and hand from all of the times that I squeezed them. Although I’ve been inside the Capitol before, the feelings of elation are always there. Needless to say, I was on cloud 9 the rest of the day.
As we began our drive to Richmond, I started to think about how much I love Washington D.C. and everything about it. Not only is there so much history, but it truly is a symbol for the American democracy! Then it dawned on me. Looking back at my childhood and my country, the concept of democracy did not exist. The only symbol Iraq had was Saddam. He represented anything and everything and as a nation, was the only identity we knew. Sadly, it was not a good one. Terrible, in fact! Having lived under such a controlling regime has given me an appreciation for what this nation has always stood for, Democracy. I lived my entire life not knowing what this word meant until I came to America. When I visit Washington D.C., I am reminded of the opportunity I was given, how I was saved from execution, and brought here to take advantage of everything this country has to offer. I am reminded that I made it and others didn’t. I am also reminded of how sometimes I take that opportunity for granted, as so many do.
The next time you visit Washington D.C., I urge you to soak in all of the history. It wasn’t easy, and it sure cost a lot, but it provided hope and opportunity. Take advantage of this moment and do something about it. Live your life to the fullest because you have something most people don’t, freedom to pursue anything, the freedom to be who you are.