I'm sure I don't have to tell you how amazing the last few days have been, but let me walk you through what I personally witnessed.
As my Greyhound bus entered the District of Columbia, the first thing I noticed was the amount of Barack Obama souvenir stands throughout the city. Opportunistic entrepreneurs sold everything imaginable. They sold items from cars, tables and fences. And for those not wanting to get out their vehicle, many peddlers walked up to cars as if they were selling morning newspapers. This was capitalism at it's most primitive form, but it was highly effective as people patronized the many vendors.
The second thing I noticed was the amount of buses parked throughout the city. Buses were everywhere. They ranged from fancy charter buses, mom and pop bus operations and hundreds of church buses. And they just kept coming. Washington D.C. officials estimated that there were over 75 miles of combined buses parked throughout the city.
The next thing I noticed was the security. It felt good living withing a mile of the safest place on earth. My apartment complex was patrolled by the National Guard and we had a Humvee stationed at the entrance and the exit. The National Guard controlled the flow of people and cars throughout the city. The Washington DC metro police made their presence felt by leaving on their flashing lights at all times. I've never seen so many flashing lights and heard the constant sounds of sirens in my life. Washington DC officials stated that over 58 security agencies were on patrol throughout the city. I didn't see any arrests or even a car pulled over during my stay. The people were well behaved and in a festive mood.
I was able to attend two functions while in Washington DC. I met people from as far away as New Zealand. The excitement was like New Years at Times Square tenfold.
As for the inauguration itself, we spent most of our time watching coverage of the pre-inauguration events on the television in anticipation of the big day. We knew this was going to be a huge event, but nothing could prepare us to be in the presence of 2 million people. We were so close to the capital that we could hear the same helicopters we were seeing on TV patrolling the perimeter of the Capital. I could actually see them and watch them simultaneously at the same time.
On Monday night we decided to turn in early, get up around 6 a.m. and head towards the capital around 6:30 a.m. At 4:30 a.m. I received a call telling me to turn on CNN. To my surprise and dismay there were already over 250,000 people already at the mall. We quickly got dressed and joined the sea of people marching towards the Capital.
It was organized chaos. Well-behaved people with one goal in mind. Everyone wanted to witness the swearing in of Barack Obama. I was really surprised at the amount of elderly women wearing their mink stoles and other fur coats. It's as if they were saving them for a moment just like this. I was also surprised at the amount of young people attenting the swearing in. Young people who couldn't even vote for Barack Obama.
When we finally arrived at the Capital I couldn't believe my eyes. It looked like a ocean of people. People in trees. People on top of every one of the 50,000 Port-A-Potties. Children on shoulders. People of all colors. It finally sunk in that this was a once in a life time historic event. Barack Obama had electrified a City, Country and World. Barack Obama was hours away from being the leader of the Free World.
The inauguration proceeded with the introduction of the many powerful Washington politicians and power brokers. Many were cheered. Some were booed.
The time had finally come for Barack Obama to take his place in history. The atmosphere was full of excitement. As the oath was administered there was a moment when you could have heard a pin drop. As the oath was completed a roar was heard louder than a jet plane.
Barack Obama was now President of the United States of America. America and the world was ready for "Change".
recommend this
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 59
I am so ready for change! I think he is going to be good for this country and I look forward to seeing what he has in store for us.
My daughter at College called a couple of times, so we "kindof" got to watch it together. Awesome event.
Made me PROUD to be an American!
Yes, it WAS AWESOME!
This event will be the most memorable event in history for me.
It was both exciting and comforting to see so many happy people.
I was thinking of you while viewing that mass of humanity on TV.
You have help make history Lloyd, and I am proud of you!
Yes we can!
Yes we DID!
YES WE WILL!
Paying it f?rward t?day!
I started out watching at my desk on the net. As the speeches began, the video got slower and slower. Eventually it was one word ever 30 seconds. One woman had brought a 4" black & white TV to work. Soon, there were 20 people in and around her cube, glued to the tiny set.
When the new President was sworn in, we all cheered loudly. People in the other end of the building...a full block away...heard and realizing we had a TV, came down to join us.
People were crying with joy. And, while much has been said about how much this means to African-Americans, these happy folks were all basic white.
It will be a lot of work, but if we all work at it, America and the World will be a better place for all of us!
I have been watching for this post from you telling us about your trip.
You have told us well, and with details we didn't see on tv or hear on the radio.
I apologize that I haven't been able to respond to the many comments and well wishes as there's not been enough hours in the day for me to respond to all the emails, text messages, cell phone messages, answering machine messages and replies to my posts here at Gather.com and myLot.com.
My thoughts were with all of you as I attended this historic event. I listened to all of your advice, stayed warm and arrived back home in reasonable shape considering the numerous toasts I partook in and the lack of sleep due to the late hours I kept.
I'm glad I was able to give everyone a close-up view of the event. Hopefully I was able to give you a perspective not seen on television. I hope you enjoyed the pictures and I look forward to discussing the inauguration of President Barack with all of you.
Your friend.
Lloyd
I watched it on two channels and was just amazed at the sea of people.
Awesome !!
Thanks so much for sharing your personal account. I'm now off to look at your pictures.
Peace
I believe it! I'm really glad you had the opportunity to be there. It must have been truly amazing.
Don't feel Jealous.
The President Dubya campaign and the Republican Party didn't want people at his inauguration. Security was extreme and designed to exclude any not a 100% pure Republican supporter.
I really don't know how the city could have accomodated any more people.
Thank you Llody.
Hello Isaiah.
Yes I was there and it was an amazing event. I have flashbacks all the time. Don't worry though. Like me, you can start making plans to attend President Obama's next swearing in. It may just be bigger and better.