The last bad picture. The line eventually wound up around the side of the Capitol, where there was a tent for checking in "prohibited" items. This included cameras, large bags and backpacks, lotions, weapons, and explosives. I'm betting no one was actually carrying weapons or explosives, but who knows? After filling out a form, we placed our "contraband" in brown bags, which were stapled, and we received a claim check.

On and on, up the hill, around a few more turns, up a ramp, and finally we entered the Capitol. Then it was metal detectors and on into the building. At this point everything became hushed (except perhaps for the last of the guards outside shouting, "Turn in your cameras now! If you do not turn in your camera, you WILL lose it!"

Up the stairs, a ramp, and finally we were in the Rotunda. Everyone silently filed by the coffin with its honor guard, some people making the sign of the cross, others bowing their heads, crying, or looking very somber. We passed on thru, then were directed out and down the Capitol stairs. On the way out we were each handed a lovely engraved page commemorating our visit while President Reagan was lying in state.

Back to the other side of the tent to claim cameras, etc. at 11:55pm, then a dead run to the Archive Metro station to catch the very last train to Greenbelt at 12:15am. A long, tiring day, but well worth it to be there to pay respects to a great man.