Dear Editor,

My family recently had the opportunity to tour the White House and U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. during the holiday season.  Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas approved the trip.   The White House and U.S. Capitol had beautiful architectural designs, sculptures, furniture, china, and paintings. There were beautiful paintings of former Presidents, First Ladies and pictures of the First Family were along the hallways. The very first tree that visitors see as they enter the White House honors our men and women in uniform for the extraordinary sacrifices they and their families have made. The tree was decorated with special Gold Star ornaments bearing the names of some of America’s greatest heroes who gave their lives for our country.

The U.S. Capitol had guided tours that included a 13-minute film, “Out of Many, One,” which took you on a journey through our country’s struggle to establish the world’s first truly representative democracy and introduce you to the magnificent building that houses our Congress. The tour also included viewing lectures in the U.S. Supreme Court and Senate rooms. The White House and U.S. Capitol is a place where history unfolds. Our family was no stranger to the D.C. Metropolitan area, after attending the first Presidential Inauguration on January 20, 2009. This was an opportunity that only happens once in a lifetime. We were all very thankful to God to have received such grand opportunities.

LaWanda Lewis Burrell