Yesterday was a historic day for our country...if you were not aware or living in a cave for the past 2 years. We witnessed the first swearing in of an African American President (Barack H. Obama). I had the honor of being on the Capital grass when this took place.
Our journey started out at 6AM trekking/creeping on the metro. What normally takes 30minutes to get into the city it took over 2 hours. Once we got off at our stop we grazed like cattle and moved like sheep. Above ground we walk, walk, and walked some more. The security line for our entrance had a line that wrapped around for HOURS...with very little organization. We got in one very tight line and proceeded to crawl toward the gate...that ordeal took almost 4 hours. Once at the security check point and pat down (they took my apple - dangerous item...who knew).
We made it to our section...not front and center but off to the side and right in front of the first jumbo-tron. The stage for the Capital was so high that you could not see any part of the stage but look back down the grass and view of the Mall was spectacular.
We arrived at our standing location just moments before the ceremony began. Once it started crowd went crazy. The energy there was electric and so engaging, everyone had a story. Once Obama was announced flags waved, cheers roar, and tears of joy flowed down cheeks of on-lookers.
Aretha Franklin sang "My Country Tis of Thee", her hat was the show stopper; the air was so cold I am pretty certain it impacted her singing...but none the less it was a awesome!
Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in...fine, nothing unique.
Then they announced President Obama...the crowd went CRAZY!!! After we took the oath...a little stumble by him and Chief Justice Roberts, he addressed us. His speech was very moving; I must admit that his words caused me to truly reflect and be grateful that I am an American.
After he spoke we took a couple photos and high tailed it out; in hopes to beat the crowds. We were so worried about the metro that we talked an extra mile in opposite direction to get on a train. We ended up at the Eastern Market and got on very ease and ended our journey back in Old Town in less then an hour.
1 comment:
That is so cool! Even though I didn't vote for Obama I still recognize that this was really a historic event-and I think it's amazing you were able to go!
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