The building’s exterior is as impressive as the interior. It stands 28 stories high. It was only with binoculars that we were able to see the stone ox skulls that circle the base of the dome commemorating Washington’s ox cart pioneers. Forty two broad granite steps lead up to the entrance with its enormous bronze doors. The steps symbolize Washington’s place as the 42nd state in the Union.

Washington is unique among state capitols in that instead of one large building, it consists of four separate buildings known as the State Capital Campus. The Legislative Building with its 287 ft dome is the most impressive. It sits on a knoll overlooking Capitol Lake which makes a dramatic reflection pool. The campus consists of 55 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds that include an arboretum, a sunken rose garden, a replica of Denmark's Tivoli fountain, a totem pole and memorials to veterans from World War I through Vietnam.

Our visit corresponded with the city’s Memorial Day ceremonies. The various war memorials were “dressed” with flags, flowers and podiums.  At the Vietnam memorial, Vietnam vets and others listened to emotional speeches recounting the death, sacrifice and heroics of those who served in the military. We sensed an anti war sentiment when some speakers recounted the number of Vietnamese civilians killed, the use of agent orange, and the number of veterans psychologically disabled by the war.

After the formal ceremonies, individuals and small groups continued to gather at the memorials through out the day to remember in a private and personal manner. After our sightseeing was complete and we were walking back to our truck, we heard the lamenting sounds of taps  … as we looked back we saw that it was coming from a boom box atop the shoulders of a boy standing in front of the Vietnam memorial. It was a touching sight, but we’re sure only one among many that occurred this holiday.

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