Inauguration Day
January 26, 2009 -
Hey folks,
I had the fortunate pleasure of attending the Inauguration of Barack Obama last week.
I went down with my partner, Rachael, and some friends, and we woke up at 5:30 to make sure we could get down to the Capitol in time. The streets we already alive with folks rushing to the nearest METRO station or walk down to the event.
By the time we got there, it looked like a mob. A sea of people moved from place to place, according to their ticket color (we had Silver, the tickets just in front the place where non-ticket holders could stand). It felt a lot like a concert; we stood in line for a long time, shuffled about, and finally got to a check-in point, where security searched our belongings and persons.
Once we made it through security, it was a mad dash to the front of the area! We darted for the reflecting pool, the last point we could reach within our ticket area. We finally got there around 8am, and stood, packed rather tightly for the next few hours until the proceedings started.
The Senators and Representatives filed out to applause, along with other dignitaries and high-level bureaucrats. Then, Obama came out to a thunderous cheer. When he was finally sworn-in, people around were yelling, laughing, cheering, and some were crying. It was an incredible moment I won't soon forget.
When everything was over, the crowd spilled out into the streets of DC, and had a great time. Everywhere you went, there was some sort of celebration that change had come to DC and America.
All in all, it was an amazing experience. Strangers were very friendly and helpful, the locals seemed happy to have so many great visitors, and the mood all weekend was one of celebration and joy. I am honored to have been a part of something so memorable and historic.
-Justin
