Umer Iqbal Wani
Journey with soaring spaces and skylight views of the U.S Capitol Dome, home to the U.S Congress and its two legislative bodies, the U.S House of Representatives and the U.S Senate with fellows from India and Pakistan, erudite how Congress works, how the magnificent building was built, and how citizens can participate in the extra ordinary experiment called representative democracy.
The U.S Capitol stand as a monument to the American people, where issues facing the nation are considered, debated and written into law. It houses an important collection of American art, which is architectural achievement in its own right. Inside the Capitol, Out of many, one, a 13 minute film, illustrates how USA established a new form of government; highlights the vital role that Congress plays in the daily lives of Americans; and introduces to the building that houses the U.S Congress.
Unlike that of many countries U.S Congress passed legislation On December 18, 2007,to name the Capitol visitor center’s central space “Emancipation Hall” to recognize the contributions of enslaved laborers who helped build the U.S Capitol.The Hall is on the lower level of the Capitol visitor center, is a central gathering place for visitors coming to see the capitol. No one could have expected that at the upper level, gift shops will be available inside with unique selection of merchandise inspired by the capitols art and architectural treasures,fun and educational gifts, books, jewellery, and exciting custom-designed products make excellent souvenirs. Freshly made soups,salads, pizzas, desserts reflect the diverse bounty of America,available at lower level of the Congress Capitol.
The National Statuary Hall collection in the capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states. Each state is represented by two statues chosen by their legislature to honour notable citizens. The 25 statues on display in the Capitol Visitor Center represent the diversity of the country and the contributions made by its citizens. The statue of Freedom has stood atop the U.S Capitol Dome. Hoisted into place while the country was divided by the Civil War, the bronze statue designed and sculpted by American sculptor was created as the crowning feature of the building’s new cast-iron dome. Statue depicts a classical female figure with long, flowing hair wearing a helmet with a crest composed of aneagle’s head and feathers. She stands on a cast-iron pedestal on a globe encircled with the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” The lower part is decorated with fasces (symbols of the authority of government) and wreaths.The Capitol that we saw is the result of several major periods of construction; stands as a monument to the ingenuity, determination and skill of the American people.
Finally, it was time to say good bye to the Brack, person who introduced the legislative fellows with each and everything in the Capitol. Everyone were moving towards the hotel I too left the spot, with some good memories as well as some good lessons that I learnt before entering and after leaving the Capitol.
The author is legislative fellow with Youth Service America,NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC20005Washington D.C-USA. He can be reached at:uwani@ysa.org or umerwani99@gmail.com.