barack obama
inauguration
joint congressional committee on inaugural ceremon
madelyn dunham
presidential inauguration
stanley dunham
washington dc
I'm back from Barack Obama's Inauguration. It was an amazing event.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
United States
January 22, 2009 1:22pm CST
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".
Lloyd
Visit my blog at http://www.gather.com/viewArticles.jsp?memberId=535886&nav=Namespace to see all the photos. There's just too many to post them all once again here at myLot.
9 people like this
26 responses
@Chevee (5905)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I am happy you witness this historic event of a lifetime.
Your description of this amazing event sent cheers through my body. I looked at every minute of it on the television I hung with Barack and Michelle as long as I could into the wee hours of the night. I couldn't hang any longer after 1 o'clock that next morning I told them good night I can't hang any longer. I turned off the television and went to sleep. Bright and early in the morning I woke up and turned the television back on. It was great and I am very pleased and happy that I live to see this. My only wish now is to meet the Obama family in person.
3 people like this
@irisheyes (4370)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I read every word and I'm going to check out your blog as soon as I finish this response. It sounds amazing but it was also pretty amazing outside of Washington. The streets were bare where I live and every shop,restaurant, gas station etc. had a TV set brought in for the day. The local movie theaters had the inauguration on their screens and they opened their doors free to the public. I can only imagine what it was like to have actually been there. Thanks for posting, Lloyd. Now I'm going to go and look at the photos on your blog.
3 people like this
@tyc415 (5706)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I am so glad that you had the time of your life. I sat at home and watched on TV all day, well up until bed time. My daughter was going to take my grandson out of school to watch it but she found out that they would be showing it at his school. He said he really did enjoy watching History being made, he is 11 yrs old so he will remember that day for the rest of his life. I am looking forward to seeing your pictures. I am off to do that now.
Thank you for letting us know how it went for you and again Congratulations for getting to go.
3 people like this
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
22 Jan 09
Hi lloyd,
Many thanks for all those pictures, they were fantastic and what meemories to treasure to show your children and your grandchildren in history in making, you should be very proud to have been there, it must have been wonderful. Well done to you for been there.
Tamara
3 people like this
@glords (2614)
• United States
22 Jan 09
What a wonderful experience, I'm happy you were able to witness it in person. I felt that it was thrilling watching it on the television, I can only imagine how incredible it must have been to be there with all of that positive energy in the air.
@KrauseHome (36447)
• United States
31 Jan 09
Being able to witness the event from my home was an awesome thing. I cannot imagine what it must have been for you, and so Glad you got to witness this in person. For me this was quite an exciting time in History, and I am wishing the best for Obama and our country as a whole. It is time for change, and we all know it cannot happen overnight, but it also cannot happen too soon for sure.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
14 Feb 09
Hi Krause. It was awesome to be around that many people with one thing in common. All wanted to welcome their new president and wish him the best.
Although everything can't change overnight, I'm very impressed with the way he has started dealing with some of the many issues facing the American people.
I'm confident that he will succeed in his efforts because he has the backing of the majority of Americans.
Lloyd
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
23 Jan 09
You are very lucky to be there in person watching history being made. I wish I could have been there but I did watch it on television. I do believe that Obama will bring about the change that this country needs so badly. But it will not be him alone. It will take everyone joining together and willing to help the change come about. I am very impressed with Obama and feel he will do great things for this country and help relieve the stress of overseas and the fighting. Thank you for posting this.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
28 Jan 09
I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself, Lloyd! I'm both regretful that I wasn't able to attend in person and glad I didn't try it since I really can't handle the cold and with my back problems I could never have been able to stand and walk as much as would have been required. However, I was glued to my TV for about two days straight, it must have been. I was so happy and proud when I learned there hadn't been a single arrest! From what I could see on my TV it was a crowd that truly represented America, people of all colors and ages and sizes. Men, women, boys and girls all there for on purpose, to see history in the making. I intend to read every word of your blog and your posts as soon as time allows. I didn't respond to this discussion sooner because my daughter has been sick and was in the hospital for over a week, actually she watched the Inauguration from her hospital bed. She gave us a bit of a scare for a couple days but thankfully she's much better now and back home.
Talk to you soon!
Annie
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Helloooooooooo Annie.
It is so good to hear from you. You are always in my thoughts. I'm so happy that your daughter is feeling better and is now back at home.
Annie. It was an amazing event. A worldwide celebration of "Change". Off with old and in with the new.
Please check out my blog at Gather and don't forget to look at the pictures. I'd be more than honored if you left a comment. I'd love to introduce you to all my new friends and foes over their.
Don't be a stranger.
Your friend.
Lloyd
1 person likes this
@drknlvly6781 (6246)
• United States
22 Jan 09
Welcome back Lloyd! I said it when you told us you were going, and I will say it again: I wish that I had the chance to go. However, the feeling was felt to some degree through the broadcast on TVOne. I was almost moved to tears as Barack took the oath. Were you a part of the crowd that was booing Bush, and was singing "na na goodbye!"? That was so hilarious, especially since I was in the house singing the very same song five minutes prior to them reporting that!
Now the man is in office, and despite what some are reporting, he is off to a great start by putting a freeze on top officials salaries yesterday. The catalyst has happened, now we must take part in the change.
2 people like this
@LovesTravel (303)
• United States
14 Feb 09
Thanks for representing all America at this special event! You have done us proud.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
16 Feb 09
You are very welcome. It was an honor to attend this event.
Lloyd
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Hey lloyd! Everything you described is everthing that I believe
that was felt even by me sitting up as close as I could
possibly sit in front of my 25" color tv! Oh how I wished I
was there in that crowd too! And you were really there! I
know that must have been the happiest time of your life to
be there witnessing the most important day in history! I have
lived through so much misery watching the deaths of JFK and
his brother and MLK and 9/11 and to finally have something so
wonderful happen in my lifetime meant so much to me! I am so
very happy that you at least got to be there because you
definitely worked hard and you more than deserved it! I
watched into the night while the President and the First Lady
danced at all 10 Balls and just couldn't stop watching because
I was just too elated from the whole day's activities. I have
never felt this way about any Presidential Inauguration ever
and probably never will again. I want to thank you again for
all the months of hard work that you did on the campaign and
being one of the people who helped President Barack Obama
get where he is today to be our 44th President of the United
States of America! Thank you Lloyd! Your friend, Leslie
2 people like this
@Fortunata (1135)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I have only question-why was there so much garbage left behind after the inaugeration? What a disgrace! 30 tons of it!!
2 people like this
@Fortunata (1135)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Let me amend that-a hundred and thirty tons of trash.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
25 Jan 09
Wow, I wish I had had the chance to be able to go to such a historic event as you did but I wasn't able but I watched from my chair in my living room as the events unfolded. I am glad that their is so many people believe in him and are ready for the "change" he is trying to do. I know he will pull up this floundering economy by it's boot straps and it might take awhile but it will be done I have faith in it.
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
23 Jan 09
Hi Lloyd, I am so glad to hear that you were able to go, you deserved it after all the hard work you did. I can only imagine the intense feelings to be there and witness this all in person.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Hi Howard. I only wish that all of my friends here at myLot could have went. It was an intense time with lots of electricity in the air.
1 person likes this
@jillmalitz (5131)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I hope the best for our President. He has a monumental task ahead and he will not make everyone happy. Nor will he be able to get everything he asked for and may disappoint some who wanted him to do things. But, I believe that one thing is for sure - the world will soon look to the United States for hope again.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Monumental task is an understatement, but I believe that Barack Obama is up to the task. He has to work in the best interest of the American people. I think we already see the positive worldwide response we've already received. I, like you, hope the best for our new President.
1 person likes this
@Carolyn63 (1403)
• United States
29 Jan 09
Welcome home. I am so glad to hear from you. I thought you had left. Sounds like you had an amazing time and an amazing experience. I can't really begin to imagine being at such a huge event. I'm afraid I would be a bit batty because crowds make me uncomfortable, it's overwhelming. But the excitement, I bet you were bouncing off the walls?
To tell you the truth, I was rather agitated with the local radio personalities here. They mentioned they would be attending though they were against Obama, not to support him but to show their support for the US. I wanted to scream. How is it showing support for the US if you aren't going to jump in and be supportive and helpful yourself? These radio personalities said that some of the people invited to participate weren't there for Obama either. Then why agree to participate. I'm sorry, hypocrasy drives me nuts.
I'm babbling. I'm glad you are back and I am glad you enjoyed yourself. My prayers are for this country, the president, for the greater good of all.
@jerzgirl (9327)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Lloyd, I am so happy for you. I am glad you got to be an active participant in events of that historic day. I've been so busy getting ready for an estate sale for my mother's belongings that I don't want, I just haven't been able to think of a response to your discussion until now. Mom passed just after Christmas, but she got to see Barack Obama elected, the man she voted for. She genuinely liked him, what little she had seen of him. Her sight was mostly gone towards the end as was much of her hearing, but she wouldn't allow me to get her an absentee ballot. I took her to the voting site and she placed her vote for Mr. Obama in person. She had lived through so many historic moments in her life - women getting the vote, Native Americans actually being given citizenship in their own country (such a travesty that they weren't considered such), Prohibition, the Depression, the ending of WWI and beginning and ending of WWII, the introduction of television, the launching of Sputnik, the assassinations of three great men, the moon landing, the march on Montgomery (I remember well my parents reactions to the police and fire crews attacking the peaceful marchers as they crossed the bridge), and now, the election of the first man of color to the office of President of the United States. I'm so glad she lived to see it. And, I'm glad you were there to see it in person. Welcome back, Lloyd.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Hi Jerzgirl. So sorry to hear about your mother. I'm glad she was at least able to see Barack Obama get elected. I've been wondering what my father would be thinking and saying if he could have witnessed this historic event.
So nice hearing from you again. I'm glad that I was able to provide you with a different perspective of this event.
Lloyd
@jonesy123 (3948)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Just responded to your other discussion. I didn't see this one until now. Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and all went well. One could see on TV that the atmosphere was great there.
@lloydanthony111 (4698)
• United States
23 Jan 09
Hi Jonesy. I remember you asking me if I were still going to attend the inauguration. It was so nice to know that I was in your thoughts. I know that we were and probably still on opposite political sides, but it's nice to know that we are still able to be civil.
Thank you.
Lloyd