Hopes of witnessing history inspired my yearning to be in Washington D.C. Unfortunately, I witnessed nothing but a travesty (on a small scale). The tickets secured from U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo's office were purple. They would have afforded a pretty good place to stand. I arrived at the gate at 6 a.m., figuring on standing for three hours before getting in the gate.
However, I joined thousands of people from around the country in a street tunnel. Emergency vehicles sped past us, while we waited and waited and waited. My wait lasted five hours, while others waited nearly seven hours.
After emerging from the tunnel, the entire group headed to the gate. We would discover the gate was closed, making our purple tickets useless. And there were no officials to be found. The disappointment of seeing no history being made will stay with me.
But it does not diminish the momentous occasion.
Showing posts with label Barack. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barack. Show all posts
January 21, 2009
January 17, 2009
Riding toward history
Containing my excitement about witnessing history has become difficult. For days and weeks, attending the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama has only a been concept to me. However, tonight making the trek to Washington D.C. has become real. It's like celebrating my birthday and Christmas all at the same time.
Having an African-American president is something that I never thought I'd see. Well, actually, as an 8-year-old, it had crossed my mind. I recall making my own Jesse Jackson for President signs. Of course, then I was enthralled with the idea of having a Black president.
Now, I'm anxiously anticipating having a leader of color. But I realize Obama's color can't be his most valued attribute. He must lead. However, I have faith. Given his success in leading young people and other apathetic voters to polls, Obama has proved his leadership ability. But, admittedly, getting elected is different from serving. Even so, history will be made soon. And I can't wait to see it unfold.
My journey -- on a bus -- to the capital begins 1 p.m. Sunday at the Rockford K-Mart on Sandy Hollow Road. Saturday was spent trying to answer an important question: What do you wear to an inauguration?
Come back to http://justcommenting09.blogspot.com for updates on the historic trip.
Having an African-American president is something that I never thought I'd see. Well, actually, as an 8-year-old, it had crossed my mind. I recall making my own Jesse Jackson for President signs. Of course, then I was enthralled with the idea of having a Black president.
Now, I'm anxiously anticipating having a leader of color. But I realize Obama's color can't be his most valued attribute. He must lead. However, I have faith. Given his success in leading young people and other apathetic voters to polls, Obama has proved his leadership ability. But, admittedly, getting elected is different from serving. Even so, history will be made soon. And I can't wait to see it unfold.
My journey -- on a bus -- to the capital begins 1 p.m. Sunday at the Rockford K-Mart on Sandy Hollow Road. Saturday was spent trying to answer an important question: What do you wear to an inauguration?
Come back to http://justcommenting09.blogspot.com for updates on the historic trip.
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