Editor/ Publisher

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the state Capitol with my son’s class.

It’s hard to believe that I worked in Topeka for six months and never set foot inside the building, but it’s true. I took his class’ visit as a sign it was time for me to walk the halls and see the building.

The most exciting part for me was the tour of the Capitol dome. There are few state capitols that allow visitors to climb up to the dome, and I was excited to see it.

Our guide told us there are 296 steps to the top of the dome.

I didn’t count. There were three breaks along the way where we could walk the perimeter. At each interval, those who felt like they were “good to go” could opt to stay there or head down.

My son likes to enthusiastically say he wants to embrace adventures, but when the rubber meets the proverbial road, he sometimes behaves like the beloved cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz.

There is shuffling of feet.

There is extended discussion of the pros and cons of the decision.

On the trip up the stairs, there was even some holding mom’s hand to help him feel brave.

He reached a point where he wasn’t sure he wanted to press forward. He certainly could have stayed put, but I was going up.

We discussed bravery. We discussed times he chose to be brave.

I reminded him of my grandpa, who despite his inability to swim, was in the Navy.

When the propeller needed a repair, Grandpa Benny’s superiors didn’t care that he couldn’t swim. They tied a rope around his waist and tossed him over the side of the ship with the essential tools for the repair.

“See, other people can be brave in really scary situations,” I told my son.

That seemed to bolster his resolve.

His great-grandpa was brave, and so he could be, too.

When we reached the outdoor viewing platform, my son’s bravery was nowhere in evidence. Screeching, howling and wailing were all present.

After a few moments to collect himself in the indoor area at the top of the circular staircase, he decided to join me again on the balcony. The view was spectacular!

The trip down was even more memorable.

For all 296 stairs, he chanted, “I’m brave and noble, like great-grandpa Benny.” Over and over he chorused this refrain.

I realize Memorial Day is to honor those who died during military service. My grandfather returned to Chicago, had a family and a long life full of humorous tales.

I’m thankful we have holidays set aside to remember the fallen. To honor them. To let their families know we value the sacrifice of their loved one.

As I reflect, I want to share with our readers one amazing resource I learned about last year, when photographing the 80th D-Day anniversary in Abilene.

I learned about “Ike’s Soldiers,” a project of the Eisenhower Foundation. The foundation created an incredible database of WWII soldiers. You can simply browse, read and learn about the amazing men and women who served our country. You may also submit information about your own family member.

This window of time between Memorial Day and the D-Day anniversary is the perfect opportunity to do so. Information is available online at https://eisenhowerfoundation. net/ page/ikes-soldiers.

Bonar is the editor/publisher of the Tribune and can be reached at kbonar@indyrepnews.com.