On guard, at the Capitol

OLYMPIA — Veterans Day brought out a few historic uniforms, including this World War II U.S. Army military police uniform, complete with rifle and fixed bayonet.

Butch Ayala of Olympia was on hand for a concert in the rotunda, taking up a post at one of the columns insided the north entrance. Ayalay said he’s a member of the Friends of Willie and Joe history group that provides a living history of the war.

A veteran himself from 1979 to 2003, Ayala said he’s always had enormous respect for the generation that fought in WWII. “It’s my way of saying thanks to a generation that saved the planet.”

Everything in his ensemble, including rifle and bayonet, were originals. Wonder if Ayala would be available to keep order next year during the session?