2 

A LETTER 

FROM THE 

ARCHITECT

J. BRETT BLANTON

THANKYOU

I am honored to introduce this special 

edition of Tholos magazine recognizing the 

incredible efforts of Architect of the Capitol 

(AOC) employees in the wake of the 

January 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. 

You went above and beyond to get the 

buildings and grounds back in order, 

ensuring that the work of Congress could 

continue and readying the U.S. Capitol for 

the 59th Presidential Inauguration.

I commend you all for the dedication and 

professionalism you demonstrated during 

such a stressful time. Once again, you 

showed that you are the AOC’s most 

important asset.

Your outstanding performance has not 

gone unnoticed. Since January 6, we have 

received thousands of letters and emails 

from grateful citizens all across the country, 

thanking you for your efforts on that day 

and every day. Even at a time when the 

pandemic has limited visitors at the U.S. 

Capitol, AOC employees are still able to 

inspire Americans near and far.

I hope you enjoy reading a selection of 

those notes here. I hope these words of 

appreciation show the impact you have on 

our nation, and remind you of the importance of the work you do every day to 

serve, preserve and inspire.

With warmest appreciation,
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 3

TO THE CAPITOL STAFF

I can’t thank you enough for your commitment, courage and patriotism following the January 

6th attack on the Capitol. Thank you for upholding and supporting our constitutional process 

and setting an example that the rest of this country should follow. Thank you for allowing 

democracy to be undeterred. We could not have done it without you. 

TAKE CARE AND STAY SAFE,

KATHERINE KINGSLAND 
4 

TO THOSE 

WHOSE 

WORK 

MAKES 

THE 

CAPITOL 

SHINE:

The Capitol looked beautiful 

today for the Inauguration 

of a new president. When we 

think back to two weeks ago 

and remember the broken 

glass and the overturned 

furniture, we appreciate you, 

the people who restored the 

halls and chambers to their 

pristine condition. 

I can imagine that it is 

hard and exacting work to 

maintain the Capitol in the 

best of circumstances, but 

during a pandemic and then 

a massive civil disturbance, 

it must have been an 

enormous challenge. 

You helped not only restore 

a building but our dignity 

as a country. Thank you. 

Thank you.

REGARDS, 

JUDY MESSAL

NEW MEXICO
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 5

DEAR STAFF 

OF THE 

ARCHITECT OF 

THE CAPITOL: 

I wanted to reach out and 

thank you for the hard and 

unsung work you do yearround, day in and day out, to 

keep the U.S. Capitol and the 

grounds beautiful. I am so 

sorry about the invasion of 

your workspace on January 

6 and the destruction and 

trashing of the Capitol. I 

know many of you probably 

put in long hours to clean up 

after that day. Please know 

how much I and so many 

other Americans appreciate 

the work you’ve done in the 

last two weeks, and that you 

do always.

I used to work in the Capitol 

and I never got over feeling 

the history and reverence 

of the place. Thank you 

for keeping that place so 

special.

KATE

NORTH CAROLINA

THANK YOU FOR HELPING PROTECT OUR CAPITOL! 

BEING STRONG DURING THE CRAZY EVENTS AS 

WELL AS CLEANING UP AFTERWARDS. Y’ALLS 

BRAVERY IS VERY INSPIRING.

TATE GIBSON
6 

JUST A QUICK 

NOTE OF EXTREME 

GRATITUDE FOR 

ALL YOU ARE DOING 

TO HELP CLEAN UP 

THE CAPITOL! IT IS 

APPRECIATED MORE 

THAN YOU WILL 

EVER KNOW.
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 7

THANK YOU, THANK 

YOU, THANK YOU!

Not only for your service every day, but specifically 

after the attack on the Capitol. Your hard work 

and dedication made it possible for democracy to 

continue. You are seen and appreciated by so many 

people across the nation.

Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy 2021.

VERONICA SHARKEY

GEORGIA

While virtually everyone has acknowledged the role of the Capitol police and other law enforcement 

during and after the attempted coup on January 6, I wanted to take a second to thank all the 

custodial staff and any others involved in restoring the buildings and grounds to pre-riot conditions. 

We appreciate your efforts even though you seldom hear from us.

A GRATEFUL AMERICAN
8 

THANKS SO MUCH 

FOR YOUR SERVICE 

IN CLEANING UP 

THE MESS AT THE 

CAPITOL. YOU ARE 

A TREASURE.

CAROLE WATTERSON 

TROXLER

I just wanted to thank 

you for cleaning 

after the insurrection 

on January 6. Your 

hard work and 

dedication does not 

go unnoticed. You are 

true heroes and true 

patriots. I thank you 

for what you do.

SINCERELY, 

MARIANNE 

MEROLA

ILLINOIS

We want to thank you all for the work you do, especially getting our beautiful Capitol back 

in shape for the Inauguration. It was almost magical, but we realize there were real people 

involved in doing the hard work. Thank you and may God bless you.

THE GERHARDT FAMILY

NORTH CAROLINA
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 9

THANK YOU TO THE CLEANUP CREW

Please extend our sincere 

thanks to all the members 

of the Capitol custodial 

crew for their hard work 

after the January 6th riots. 

They deserve special 

recognition for their 

sometimes nasty and 

dangerous work to keep 

our democracy safe and 

functioning.

SUE AND JIM 

LISKOVEC

CALIFORNIA

Your work in always keeping 

the Capitol a treasure for us all 

is much appreciated. Your extra 

work in cleaning up after January 

6 is above and beyond what 

should be expected of anyone. 

THANK YOU 

ALL FOR YOUR 

DILIGENCE AND 

DEDICATION.

who restored order to the Capitol building after an event that never should have occurred. 

Thank you for returning reverence and respect to a building that stands for so much. We visited 

as a family two years ago and loved getting to know the building, its stories and history. We 

loved the feeling that democracy was being upheld that day as lawmakers and employees 

went about their business. It is certainly a special place. Thank you for your service.

JENNY BEYKIRCH AND FAMILY

UTAH
10 

TO ALL WHO 

WERE INVOLVED 

IN THE JAN. 6TH 

CLEANUP, MY 

FAMILY WANTS 

TO SEND OUR 

HEARTFELT 

THANK YOU 

FOR THAT 

UNIMAGINABLE 

TASK OF 

BRINGING 

THAT BELOVED 

LANDMARK 

BACK TO AS 

CLOSE TO 

NORMAL AS 

WAS POSSIBLE. 

We see you – we appreciate 

you – we respect you. Thank 

you for all your hard work. 

Thank you for everything 

you do!

SINCERELY,

ADDIE 

ROCKWELL

PENNSYLVANIA
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 11

Just a note to say thank you for your heroic 

actions in restoring our beautiful Capitol after the 

traumatic events of January 6th. 

You really were the heroes of the day, and I hope 

you know that. I will never forget what you did for 

everyone.

MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE, 

JILL SEVELOW

ILLINOIS

A GENUINE, HEARTFELT THANK 

YOU FOR ALL YOU DO TO TRULY 

KEEP OUR COUNTRY RUNNING.

SCOTTY CROWE
To whomever this may concern, I would like 

to thank you all for your conscientious duties 

during the Capitol riots. You may not know 

me, but I know each of you. I know that your 

help has not gone unnoticed and that you 

are all truly appreciated. I know that without 

any of you, a place of democracy would never 

shine as brightly or be a place of such beauty. 

I also know that the countless hours put 

into maintaining the building makes you all 

heroes with significant efforts. So thank you, 

for all you have done and all to which you 

continue to do! 

SINCERELY,

CATHERINE QUINONES

TO THE MOST 

AMAZING 

PEOPLE IN 

WASHINGTON, 

DC!

Thank you so much for all 

your hard work, dedicated 

minds and desire to help 

Congress get back to work!

I can’t imagine how much 

work you had to do, but you 

did it without complaining!

You all are angels and I so 

appreciate all that you did 

to help America!

THANK YOU 

SOOO MUCH!

BETSY

IOWA
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 13

THANK YOU FOR 

ALL YOU DO. YOU 

ALL ARE UNSUNG 

HEROES THAT 

DESERVE TO BE 

RECOGNIZED. 

EVY

GIRL SCOUT 

TROOP 7538
14 

My name is Daniela and I am a junior attending Downey High School in California. I’d like to bring to 

your attention that I’m beyond grateful for your service to our country. I understand that things haven’t 

been exactly the best, but you are an integral part of our nation and have done your best to make 

things better. I wanted to inform you that I, as well as many others here at my school, are immensely 

thankful for your efforts at the Capitol; and it should be mentioned that your work never goes 

unnoticed. May you have an amazing rest of your day! :)

BEST, 

DANIELA VARELA

We are Fiona Vicary, 

Simran Ohri and Eliza 

Davis and we are 

members of Montgomery 

Blair High School’s Key 

Club. We wanted to thank 

your custodial staff for 

keeping the Capitol clean 

after the destruction of 

January 6th. In a time 

of uncertainty and loss, 

we truly appreciate the 

hard work you all do. We 

understand how difficult 

and frightening that must 

have been. You all are 

maintaining the biggest 

symbol of democracy 

and we appreciate the 

importance of your 

work and the work you 

continue to do each and 

every day. 

THANK YOU 

FOR WORKING 

AROUND THE 

CLOCK TO KEEP 

OUR BELOVED 

CAPITOL CLEAN.

FIONA, SIMRAN 

AND ELIZA
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 15

TO THOSE WORKING AT 

THE CAPITOL,

Thank you so much for your work. I understand 

that recent events have caused disruption and 

chaos, and I appreciate your admirable work 

to rebuild and restore the peace in the Capitol 

building. Once again, thank you.

BEST,

JORDAN CHAFE
16 

Hello, My name is Carly Boots 

from Montgomery Blair High 

School in Maryland. I wanted 

to thank the staff who helped 

to clean up after the horrible 

insurrection at the Capitol. I 

know that many people may not 

show their appreciation for all 

of your hard work but know that 

we are thankful for all that you 

do. Thank you and keep being 

heroes!

After the Capitol riots, I can’t imagine 

how much work there must have been 

to clean the building in the wake of the 

chaos. I am grateful for all of your hard 

work, not only in cleaning the building 

but in upholding the very democracy and 

order that is fundamental to our country. 

THANK YOU FOR ALL 

YOU HAVE DONE,

ROSHAN 

NANDKUMAR
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 17

My husband and I just want to express our 

deep gratitude for the dedication of the 

many custodial staff members who cleaned 

up the mess created by the insurrectionists 

during the coup attempt at the U.S. Capitol. 

Cleaning and disinfecting after this shameful 

event must have been bad enough, but 

we understand that some custodians were 

actually present during the riot, and we offer 

our sympathy for that traumatic experience. 

Please know that your work is very much 

appreciated.

THANK YOU SO MUCH,

HEIDI RABINOWITZ AND 

MATTHEW RANSOM

FLORIDA
18 

THANK YOU FOR CLEARING OUR WAY AND KEEPING 

OUR CITY CLEAN AFTER SUCH A SCARY EXPERIENCE. 

YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN PUT IN THAT 

POSITION BUT ALL OF US ARE SO GRATEFUL YOU 

HELPED US.

GRACE BISNAW

JUST A QUICK 

NOTE OF 

GRATITUDE 

FROM 

SOUTHERN 

ILLINOIS!

Many thanks to the 

hardworking people who 

maintain the U.S. Capitol 

every day, but especially for 

cleaning up and repairing 

the damages after the 

January 6 riots. It was a 

sad day, but knowing that 

there are people like you 

who quickly restored the 

Capitol to its glory and 

beauty makes my heart a 

little happier. Your hard work 

and sacrifice has not gone 

unnoticed by the American 

people.

THANK YOU 

AGAIN AND TAKE 

CARE!

ALEX GRAFF

ILLINOIS
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 19

TO THE BRAVE WOMEN & MEN WHO 

COMPLETED THE WORK NO ONE SHOULD 

HAVE TO DO:

Thank you for clearing the way. Thank you for allowing no one to block our constitutional process. 

Thank you for allowing democracy to be undeterred.

NATALIE GUMBO

I WANT YOU TO 

KNOW THAT I 

APPRECIATE YOUR 

HARD WORK THAT 

YOU GIVE TO US. I 

KNOW WE ARE IN 

TOUGH SITUATIONS 

RIGHT NOW BUT 

I WANT YOU TO 

KNOW THAT YOUR 

WORK DOES 

MEAN A LOT TO 

MY CLASSMATES 

AND ME. RECEIVE 

THIS AS A THANK 

YOU CARD FOR 

EVERYTHING YOU 

DO, AND PLEASE BE 

SAFE.

KATHY BERNAL-CRUZ
20 

TO ALL EMPLOYEES OF THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL:

THANK YOU 

FOR ALL YOUR 

HARD WORK 

KEEPING 

DEMOCRACY 

IN ORDER 

RIGHT NOW. 

THANK YOU!

ELI GORELIK

THANK YOU FOR 

CLEANING UP AND 

BEING HELPERS. 

THERE ARE NOT 

MANY PEOPLE WHO 

ARE GOOD IN THIS 

WORLD AND PEOPLE 

WHO WILL HELP 

OTHERS. THANK YOU 

FOR BEING GOOD 

PEOPLE AND DOING 

WHAT YOU DO.

BRANDON 

SHOEMAKER

Thank you very much for your dedication and hard work in restoring the symbol of our 

democracy to the beauty and dignity that it had before the insurrection. Your contribution 

to this country is greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

HOWARD AND KATHRYN SCHWARTZ

COLORADO
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 21

THANK YOU TO THE STAFF

I just wanted to join the loud 

chorus of those thanking all 

of you for your service. In the 

wake of horror, you pulled 

together and cleaned the 

grounds that runs our nation 

and preserves our traditions - 

while making strides towards 

our future. You are all unsung 

heroes and please know we 

all “saw” your service and we 

thank you.

DIA GROSS

To those who helped clean and secure the Capitol, thank you for all you have done and are 

continuing to do to clear the way. Thank you for allowing no one to block our constitutional 

process. Thank you for allowing democracy to be undeterred. You are so brave, and it is truly 

the work no one should have to do. Seeing Congress getting back into their space the same 

day of the attack was a comforting relief to so many who were horrified to watch the day’s 

events unfold. Please know that your work does not go unnoticed, and many are lifting you up 

in prayer for strength and healing.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO,

ANDREA WHITE

ILLINOIS

who cleaned up the Capitol after the riots. I am deeply saddened that riot cleanup was needed 

and sorry for the extra work it created. But, I am deeply grateful for all the professionals who 

cleaned the building and prepared it for democracy to continue.

I imagine it has been a challenging year for all of you, as the pandemic increased the amount of 

cleaning needed and probably complicated many routines. Thank you for your faithful service 

to our country.

RACHEL MAXWELL WELLS

COLORADO
22 

The work that you did to 

prepare the Capitol building 

for the Inauguration is nothing 

short of miraculous. A true 

testament to the strength of 

our democracy, proving that 

working together anything

can be accomplished.

THANK YOU,

DAN WARD

OUR BEAUTIFUL 

CAPITOL BUILDING 

LOOKED AMAZING

as we watched our new President 

and Vice President get sworn into 

office on Wednesday. This is a credit 

to everyone who takes care of the 

building and had the enormous job 

of returning it to the magnificent 

building it is in the aftermath of the 

insurrection two weeks ago. Thank 

you, thank you for showing the 

world that we won’t let thugs keep 

us from showcasing the grandeur 

that is part of our traditions 

surrounding the transfer of power. 

My family and I so appreciate the 

work and care everyone put in 

behind the scenes. 

WITH THANKS,

A GRATEFUL 

FAMILY IN OHIO
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 23

JANUARY

26TH, 2021

DEAR CAPITOL WORKERS AND HELPERS, 

Thank you for your help cleaning the Capitol. We know it was harder than people would imagine.

Thank you for your service to our country. We recognize the hard work you do. You should be 

noticed for the hard work you do. You have made a change for our country. As community 

helpers, you make a difference when something unexpected happened a few weeks ago. Your 

work as helpers in the community has helped us to learn many new things. We have learned 

about how everyone is important, and everyone can make a difference.

Thank you for showing us what a positive difference people can make in our community, and in 

our country.

YOUR FRIENDS ,

GRADE 6 STUDENTS

LANDMARK ELEMENTARY MIDDLE SCHOOL 

MASSACHUSETTS

Dear Members of the Architect of the Capitol’s Office, 

Hello! My name is Jenni, and I am a social studies teacher at Landmark Elementary Middle School in 

Massachusetts. After hearing and viewing what happened in the Capitol a few weeks ago, many of the 

students and staff were looking for a way to make sense of what happened. 

As a result, a few of the teachers shared that the Architect of the Capitol’s office was accepting 

messages of thanks for the Capitol heroes who cleaned up in the aftermath of the riots a few weeks 

ago. Upon hearing this, the students very adamantly declared that they would like to participate. The 

following is a letter composed by a class of grade 6 social studies students. It is with grateful hearts, 

and thoughtful minds that this letter was created to share with some of history’s heroes. Please see 

the message below for the note of gratitude. 

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE CUSTODIAL STAFF WHO FIRST, 

HAD TO BE IN THE CAPITOL DURING THE INSURRECTION, 

AND THEN HAD TO CLEAN UP AFTER IT WAS OVER. 

BECAUSE OF YOU, DEMOCRACY AND OUR COUNTRY COULD 

CONTINUE. I APPRECIATE ALL THAT YOU HAVE DONE.

SINCERELY,

JULIE A. WIPPERFURTH

WISCONSIN
24 

I just wanted to express my sincere appreciation to the men 

and women who worked to clean up the Capitol building after 

the attempted coup on January 6th. They are essential in the 

functioning of our government and deserve every bit of praise 

that comes their way.

THANK YOU,

KATIE H. VERNON

It is very unfortunate 

our Capitol was recently 

vandalized and attacked by 

rioters. Your work often goes 

unnoticed but I would like 

to take this opportunity to 

say thank you for your hard 

work and service, especially 

during a pandemic. Please 

know that you are very 

much appreciated and my 

thoughts and prayers are 

with you and your families, 

especially during these 

difficult and uncertain times. 

Continue to make a positive 

impact.

SINCERELY AND 

THANKFULLY,

OLIVIA LAUREN 

GARCIA 

LOTS OF US ARE 

VERY GRATEFUL FOR 

WHAT YOU ALL WERE 

ABLE TO DO. EVEN 

IF IT IS YOUR JOB, I 

STILL BELIEVE THAT 

IT WAS HARD TO SEE 

THE MESS IN OUR 

NATION’S CAPITOL. 

THANK YOU FOR 

FIXING WHAT OUR 

NATION STANDS FOR 

AND FOR DOING YOUR 

JOB WHEN WE NEEDED 

YOU THE MOST.
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 25

Thank you for your everyday, tireless 

efforts to keep the Capitol well-maintained, 

organized and safe for those who actively 

practice democracy in those halls ... and for 

those who come to observe it.

On January 6, I’m sorry that violence and 

fear marred our country’s building, but 

I’m grateful you were on the job to wipe 

away the stains of insurrection. You are 

appreciated, and without you, an already 

bleak day would have been even bleaker.

THANK YOU,

JULIE LUTON

TEXAS
26 

Thank you for your tireless work in cleaning 

the Capitol after the attempted coup 

on January 6, 2021. Your efforts helped 

to ensure that democracy continued to 

function at a time when this country needed 

it desperately. During a global pandemic, the 

work you do is truly so helpful. Thank you for 

your service - the Capitol could not function 

without your work. 

REBECCA RADISIC

I wanted to email a huge thank you and everyone who helped with cleaning up the Capitol after the 

coup attempt. I know it was a huge feat to clean up the mess that was left behind. Thank you for your 

dedication to our democracy and for all that you all have done.

SHELLEY NORTHRUP

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 

THE WORK YOU DID CLEANING 

UP AFTER THE 1-6-21 RIOT. IT 

IS MUCH APPRECIATED AS A 

PARTIAL RETURN TO NORMALCY. 

YOU HAVE NOT GONE UNSEEN. 

AMERICA IS GRATEFUL.

SUSAN WILLIAMS

MINNESOTA
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 27

Thank you to the unsung 

heroes who, on a daily basis 

maintain the impeccable 

beauty of our nation’s 

Capitol and who went above 

and beyond the call of 

duty to restore this historic 

symbol of our republic 

so quietly, quickly and 

efficiently to help restore 

confidence that our nation 

will recover from one of the 

worst domestic attacks in 

history.

You all deserve recognition 

for all the hard work you 

do! Sometimes people 

forget that those who work 

behind the scenes are as 

much an integral part of 

keeping the government 

running smoothly because 

of your role in attaining and 

maintaining the beauty and 

structural integrity of this 

building that is the seat of 

our government; everything 

is in order and at the hands 

of our lawmakers because of 

what you do!

God bless you for your 

diligence, integrity and 

pride you take in your job 

without wanting to be in the 

spotlight. You are a great 

example of America’s best 

and we are all better for it.

THANK YOU 

AGAIN!

LAURIE 

MURPHY
28 
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 29

I just want to say thank you so much for your hard work and 

dedication you have given, even though it was a chaotic day 

and I really admire all of you honestly. Your work service is very 

important to me.

ADILENE GONALEZ-CRISANTOS

I am a student in California 

and I just wanted to let you 

know that I am grateful for 

the work that you did after 

the events that happened on 

January 6, 2021. With your 

help, you helped play a part 

in making our democracy 

work, which is something we 

are all very much thankful 

for. It must not have been 

easy doing all of that work, 

so I just wanted to let you 

know I appreciate you 

very much. Thank you for 

allowing no one to block 

our constitutional process. 

I am very grateful and 

appreciative for all that you 

have done.

THANK YOU,

DANIELA 

MARTINEZ 

THANK YOU FOR 

CLEARING THE WAY.

THANK YOU FOR 

ALLOWING NO ONE 

TO BLOCK OUR 

CONSTITUTIONAL 

PROCESS. 

THANK YOU 

FOR ALLOWING 

DEMOCRACY TO BE 

UNDETERRED. 

SKYE FREEMAN
30 

Thank you for showing 

up to your place of work 

and doing your job in 

spite of the violence and 

disruptions last month. 

I read an article that 

highlighted that before 

Congress could return to 

work, you had to return 

and clean up the mess 

that was left behind. 

Thank you for your 

dedication and efforts to 

keep democracy working 

and moving forward.

GEOFF HARDIN 

THANK YOU SO SO SO SO much for 

your heroic work in cleaning up the 

U.S. Capitol and restoring it to a proper 

level of cleanliness and dignity. I used to 

visit the U.S. Capitol a lot when I lived in 

Arlington, VA and the building means a 

lot to me and others and the democracy 

it stands for.

I just wanted to add my sincere 

gratitude to the many others who have 

written to say thank you!!!! You are part 

of our everyday heroes too.

SINCERELY,

MARLENE H. SHOWALTER

Thank you so much for all the work 

that you do in keeping the Capitol 

clean and for all the work that you have 

done after the riots to get the building 

back together so our government can 

continue to function. I appreciate the 

work you guys do very much.

MICHAEL DINKLE
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 31

As I watched the 

Inauguration today, I am 

reminded that two weeks 

ago, our nation’s Capitol 

was left torn and violated. 

Someone had to get it 

all cleaned up and ready 

for the next day, not to 

mention the events of 

today. Thank all of you 

for your back-breaking 

labor that was well out 

of your “job description.” 

You are heroes in this 

recent struggle for our 

democracy.

JACKIE 

SWANSON
32 

I JUST WANTED TO TAKE 

A MOMENT TO THANK 

YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR 

HARD WORK YOU’VE 

DONE CLEANING UP 

THE CAPITOL BUILDING. 

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY 

DIFFICULT JOB, AS THE 

CAPITOL IS A VERY LARGE 

BUILDING. THANK YOU 

FOR YOUR SERVICES.

GOD BLESS YOU,

ETHAN W.
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 33

I am sure you received several notes and outpour from the community. I want to add my thanks to 

all of the custodial staff who came up and literally picked up the pieces for us. I imagine cleaning 

up the aftermath required a lot of tireless hours. They deserve recognition for restoring the Capitol 

to its glory and for the daily work they do. Please convey my appreciation for them. Their work is 

often behind the scene to keep the place running, yet essential. They provide a clean and healthy 

environment for our lawmakers, which is a service for us all.

SINCERELY,

ARLENE

I would like to commend 

your work at the Capitol, on 

January 6th, which showed 

bravery and resilience.

Americans have seen you 

fight for your rights and 

it will not be in vain, your 

actions and beliefs will not 

be ignored. Your persistence 

shows heart and your 

bravery is inspiring. Please 

know that many people 

around the world see you 

and wish you and your 

family the best. 

ELLIE MURNAN

I wanted to say thank you from the 

bottom of my heart for the work you did 

cleaning up the Capitol after the January 

6 riot. I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task--

either physically or emotionally, after 

seeing the damage from those who were 

trying to overthrow our government.

So much of your work is done behind 

the scenes and taken for granted. But I 

wanted to take this opportunity to let you 

know how important it is--and how much 

it is appreciated.

THANK YOU!

PAM ROBINSON
34 

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who worked to restore the Capitol building and prepare for 

the Inauguration after the attacks on January 6. I - and so many others - appreciate the hard work 

you do every day, and I particularly appreciate what you all did in the hours and days after the 

attacks. You did more than just clean, you restored the center of our nation’s democracy - and while 

thank you is really not enough, I hope it’s meaningful.

I HOPE YOU ARE ALL DOING WELL! 

ERIN CRAIG

TEXAS

To all those that worked 

to clean up and repair the 

destruction and damage 

done to the U.S Capitol 

building on 1-6-21, thank 

you, thank you, thank you! I 

wish all of you good health 

and much happiness.

JEFFREY ADLER

There are no words that can 

express my personal gratitude 

to all of you for what you did 

to restore our Capitol back to 

its original glory. After being 

so horribly defiled by domestic 

terrorists, it was your job to 

“clean up their mess,” and you 

did that! 

I am certain it was not a 

pleasant task, but you did it... 

and I know that I am one of 

millions of people who deeply 

appreciate you for all you do!!

THANK YOU!! AND 

CONGRATULATIONS 

ON A JOB WELL 

DONE!! 

ALMA W. HUGHES
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 35

Please accept this thank you for the incredibly hard job of cleaning up the shameful destruction and 

mess at the U.S. Capitol in time for the Presidential Inauguration. Your efforts did not go unnoticed or 

unappreciated. 

GINNY COOPER

SOUTH CAROLINA

I WANTED TO THANK YOU 

ALL VERY MUCH FOR ALL 

YOUR AMAZING WORK AT 

CLEANING AND RESTORING

THE CAPITOL. I THANK YOU 

FOR YOUR COURAGEOUS 

AND ADMIRABLE WORK, I 

TRULY APPRECIATE IT! 

NATALIE LOIS
36 

When situations filled with shock and rebuttal are shown like they were at the Capitol, the aftermath 

of the event is often overlooked. Even for myself, I never thought about the physical cleaning of the 

building. But now I have recognized the true hard work and sacrifice you have made to make sure 

our Capitol building is clean. You’re seen, and you’re thanked. Thank you for all the hard work and 

dedication you have put into cleaning up for us.

SINCERELY,

ZAYNAB ZLITNI

Our family wanted to say thank you to the many Capitol workers who worked so hard to clean up the 

Capitol after the horrible attacks there. It must have been so hard to see and so hard to witness what 

happened and then have to clean up the mess afterward! Not an easy task! Thank you for sacrificing 

so America could proceed and our Congress could do what needed to be done. As an American, I 

thank you! You are amazing! May God bless you and yours as you move forward and continue to serve 

our country. 

THE TAYLOR FAMILY
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 37

Hi, my name is Jessica 

Arellano. I am a 16-yearold high school junior 

from California. I wanted 

to thank the Capitol 

custodians for what they 

did after the storming of 

the Capitol. Thank you for 

showing up the next day 

to clean the mess after a 

horrible day. I’m sorry you 

had to experience that, 

but am thankful for your 

work and appreciate your 

efforts to make the Capitol 

look better the next day. 

Thank you to the 

custodians and staff who 

cleaned up the U.S. Capitol 

after the Jan. 6 riots. I am 

so thankful that you all 

do this often thankless 

but extremely important 

job. I hope you are all 

never called on again to 

clean up after this kind of 

lawlessness. Be well!

VANESSA 

SMITH

THANK YOU TO ALL OF 

YOU HARD WORKING 

STAFF WHO CLEANED 

UP THE CAPITOL AFTER 

THE WHOLE EVENT ON 

WEDNESDAY AND WE ALL 

APPRECIATE YOUR HARD 

WORK. THANK YOU FOR 

YOUR SERVICE. 
38 
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 39

You are the true, brave heroes who pieced 

back together the people’s house and saved 

the great symbol of our democracy so that 

our actual democracy could live on. Without 

your work, not just on that day but EVERY 

DAY, our government, our country could 

not function. The words, “thank you” seem 

too small, too little, to fully encompass the 

gratitude our nation owes each and every 

one of you.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR 

BRAVERY, YOUR HARD 

WORK, AND YOUR 

DEDICATION!

SHARON KOZIK

My name is Carlos Cota and I am a high 

school student. I go to Downey High 

School in Downey, California. I just wanted 

to take some time to thank you guys 

for your amazing work and dedication. 

It must’ve been a long process to clean 

everything destroyed or broken in the 

Capitol raids. You guys are an amazing 

group of people who we could not live 

without. You guys restored the Capitol to 

its original beauty and took on the job 

when no one else was. You all should feel 

so proud. I hope events like this never 

happen again because it must have been 

so hard to clean everything up. Yet again, 

you guys were there and I believe you 

guys would do it again.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 

YOUR HARD WORK AND FOR 

SERVING YOUR COUNTRY.

THANK YOU!
40 

I want to join what I hope are 

thousands of Americans saying, 

“Thank you” to all the staff who 

cleaned up after the Capitol was 

attacked on January 6, 2021.

I noticed a worker cleaning 

up in the background while 

watching the news on television 

and it struck me how brave and 

dedicated these people are who 

enter a building that was just 

under siege, ignoring partisan 

politics, and simply doing their 

jobs to ensure that democracy 

could continue.

You are the silent heroes who 

work each and every day to make 

life safer, cleaner and welcoming 

for all Americans who work and/

or visit the Capitol. Your efforts 

are not unnoticed yet I suspect 

you don’t always receive the 

respect you deserve.

You gave me hope after I spent 

most of the day crying. You 

inspired me, because you showed 

up (or in some cases, stayed on 

the job). You knew what had to 

be done and you did it. And you 

did it so well and so thoroughly, 

that democracy was back up and 

running in mere HOURS after 

so many tried to tear it down 

and destroy it. Demolishing is 

fast and easy; building back up 

is hard and time consuming. 

Yet you all somehow defied the 

odds and what likely could have 

been projected to take WEEKS to 

restore, you accomplished 

in hours.

Thank you for all that you do 

every day. I appreciate you all so 

very much.

SINCERELY,

DAWN C. HANEY

I am serving at a U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan, but I 

wanted to reach out and send a heartfelt thank you to the 

staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to repair, 

clear and clean the Capitol building after the terrible events 

on January 6th. I know it takes many people to keep the 

wheels going and to conduct our nation’s business, but your 

work went above and beyond your normal job. You are true 

patriots and deserve to be recognized for your dedication 

to our country and our ideals. Even if we have been bruised 

as a country, it is because of everyday people like you, that 

I have faith that we will rise above the division sown and 

come together stronger and better. Thank you for the work 

you did.

LEXY BOUDREAU
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 41

I’m retired military and not only did I 

dedicate 19 years of my life in service 

to the country, the U.S. Constitution 

and democracy itself, but I spent 

nearly that entire time having to 

clean up messes that I didn’t make.

We all have to clean up other 

people’s messes from time to time, 

but what you had to endure that 

day and subsequently cleanup is 

beyond anything I can comprehend. 

The mob’s actions were atrocious, 

barbaric and seditious and you were 

stuck with the cleanup.

From one American to another, I am 

so sorry that happened to you and I 

extend to you my deepest gratitude 

and thankfulness to you for your hard 

work and effort at cleaning up the 

aftermath. Just like you have been 

making all things new at the Capitol 

again, my prayer is that all things will 

be new in your hearts, souls and lives 

as well and may your days be filled 

with peace and joy and love.

RESPECTFULLY,

MATTHEW GREINER

I want to thank all the workers who 

cleaned the U.S. Capitol after the 

raid, and have kept things safe and 

clean through out the pandemic. 

Because your job isn’t very easy, so 

thank you for keeping us safe and 

thank you for keeping things clean. 

SINCERELY,

J.P.

SCOUTS OF AMERICA, PAC 55

NEW YORK
42 
THOLOS | SPECIAL EDITION 2021 43

THE SAFETY AND PERSONAL HEALTH OF AOC 

EMPLOYEES IS OF THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.

If you are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression in the wake of this event, the AOC’s 

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help.

Check the Employee Toolkit, located on Compass, for more information on the EAP and mental 

health resources available to you.

EAP is a free, voluntary and confidential program that can assist 

you and other AOC employees as you work through stress and 

personal or professional challenges.

TalkNow offers AOC employees immediate, 24/7 telephonic access 

to confidential, in-the-moment counseling support delivered by 

qualified behavioral health professionals, no appointment necessary.

Employees may receive up to three sessions with a network 

counselor for assessment, short-term counseling and referral. 

AOC EAP Program Manager Dr. Dorothy Blum remains available 

to assist employees as well.

The Espyr® behavioral health website provides a number of helpful 

resources like monthly topical webinars, articles, tools, videos, 

trainings and screenings.

3
Legislative and Public Affairs

U.S. Capitol, Room SB-16

Washington, DC 20515

Tholos Special Edition 2021

The Architect of the Capitol strives 

to meet its mission 24 hours a day, 

365 days a year to serve Congress 

and the Supreme Court, preserve

America’s Capitol, and inspire 

memorable experiences for all who 

visit the buildings and grounds.

Tholos is distributed by the Architect 

of the Capitol primarily for AOC 

employees. Questions regarding 

content and publication should be 

directed to AOC Legislative and Public 

Affairs at communications@aoc.gov, 

202.228.1793, or U.S. Capitol, Room 

SB-16, Washington, DC 20515.

JOIN AOC ONLINE:

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www.aoc.gov