A Capitol tour

A group of service members and their families from Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall started off their Fourth of July holiday weekend a bit early on July 1 by taking a guided tour of the U.S. Capitol and getting a refresher course on the events that shaped the nation as America prepared to mark its 240th birthday.

Organized by Army Community Service, the tour began on the lower level of the Capitol Visitor Center at the Orientation Theater with a viewing of "Out of Many, One," a 13-minute film that illustrated how a new form of government was established in the United States and the role that Congress plays in the daily lives of Americans.

Tour guide Jessica Jackson kept attendees entertained while detailing the history of the Capitol building. She explained the significance of the statues that line its halls and answered questions not only about the building but about those who helped shape the nation's story.

Pointing to a statue of Rosa Parks, Jackson asked one young attendee if he had ever heard of the Civil Rights icon whose refusal to give up her seat sparked the movement to end racial inequality in America. When he shook his head no, Jackson told Parks' story to the group.

"She lived at a time when, if you didn't look a certain way, you were treated differently," Jackson said, putting Parks' story into words the youngster could understand.

Jackson went on to answer questions about other statutes that honor men and women from each American state that are on display in the building while tackling questions on America's history.

"They won't let us on Jeopardy," the self-proclaimed Capitol nerd said proudly. "We'd shut that down."

Attendees also got a look at the repair work currently underway on the Capitol's storied dome, which has been sheathed in scaffolding since 2014. Repairs are expected to be complete for the 2017 presidential inauguration.

This was the second Capitol tour taken by Army spouse Amy Shouse and daughter Campbell.

"I thought since we're here, we'll take advantage of the things this area has to offer," said Amy. "There's always more than meets the eye."

Campbell said the visit increased her appreciation for the paintings that line the Capitol Rotunda.

"I like the Rotunda the best because of the paintings," she said.

ACS Relocation Program Manager Victor Arthur was pleased with the large turnout for the tour.

"I hope they gained an appreciation for ACS and what we offer and they continue to support what we offer," he added.

Home to the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Capitol opened Nov. 17, 1800. It serves not only as the seat of the U.S. Congress, but forms the origin point for Washington D.C.'s street-numbering system and the District's four quadrants.

Pentagram Staff Writer Julia LeDoux can be reached at jledoux@dcmilitary.com.