While only ex-presidents, first daughters, and powerful lawmakers got the front-row view of Barack Obama's inauguration today, I watched the events on the jumbotron in the shadow of the Washington Monument. In the minutes leading up to noon, the millions of people gathered, citizens of the country and the world, stood on the freezing lawn anxious to witness history.
There were resounding cheers for Bill and Hillary Clinton, and even more for Sasha and Malia. Around me the bright mood dimmed a bit during Rick Warren introduction and more during George W. Bush's. But soon my neighbors' faces filled with expressions of suspense right before Obama was sworn in, hope during the speech, and relief once the transfer of power was complete.
On the way out, the human gridlock tested everyone's goodwill, but luckily I managed to get out safely, walking on eerily car-free highways and past countless Obamabilia vendors. Now it's time to sit back and enjoy the parade!
John Lewis
I wish I was there. Ok now that it's over I have some things I want Obama to address and soon
I blogged about it http://teamsugar.com/group/2712177/blog/2717836. This is what I submitted to them at whitehouse.gov
1I think Tumbling Teams should HAVE to tumble down the street in parades - I can march and bounce around.
2I watching the parade and little Sasha looks bored already.
3I was there (silver ticket section, just behind the reflecting pool), and it was an incredible day I'll remember forever. . .
4I cried twice, watching on tv.
5Well I tried to be there, but alas, it wasn't to be. It was fun standing in lines for 6 hours though!
6What an exciting day!
76 hours!
8Just saw Michelle's dress. It was cute, i liked it.
9The long haired kid in the picture is so cute.
10Ended up getting dragged along with friends who came into town at the last minute. Had no problem getting on the Mall around 10:30, but I heard the North entrances were a mess. Thank God I live on the Hill and could easily walk a few blocks from my house and enter to the south. And my friend in the Secret Service didn't hurt either.
11I was at the airport, with other people huddled around TVs. After his speech ended the woman next to me looked at me, and we both had tears coming down our faces, and she said, "I am going to hug a stranger today!" and gave me a great big hug. It was really quite amazing to be with this random group of people, and feel the energy and excitement that we all were feeling.
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