My family and I walked through, along with many other thousands, to pay our respects. As we entered the Rotunda I saw that two of the Capital police officers that were directing people in and out were two that I had talked to quite a bit on the night of the shooting. I greeted them and they responded with a smile. Seeing them there was very touching to me. Difficult times are still ahead for the surviving family members, for the young civilian visitor who was shot and wounded, and for those men, women and children who witnessed the events that Friday afternoon.
Witnesses are also victims.
They will never forget what happened and it is likely that certain events in the future may trigger the memory and emotions of this day. I am most concerned for the small children who were clearly quite terrified as their sense of safety was shattered. These symptoms are very normal and should not be interpreted as weakness or inability to adapt. They are normal reactions to abnormal events. It is best to experience the symptoms as they come, talk about the events with friends and family, and share how you feel with others.