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August 19, 2009
E-mail a friendYOUNG VOICES
When Change Came to Washington
Millions from across the globe came to Washington D.C. to take part in the historic swearing in of the 44th President of the United States.
I made it to DC for the inauguration, and it was great! There was so much buzz and anticipation, so much excitement, so many expectations, it was hard to believe this was actually taking place. The temperature outside was extremely cold, but the spirit of the people on Inauguration Day was extraordinarily warm.
People braved cold temperatures and long lines to be a part of history yesterday morning. Scores of people from across the country came to celebrate the inauguration of Barack H. Obama. Entire generations of families, along with men and women from all walks of life, braved the weather and long lines to experience this extraordinary event.
Some arrived on the National Mall at 4 a.m. to get their place before the morning's activities began. Scores of Americans, from the Midwest to the Southeast, engulfed the streets wearing everything from buttons to t-shirts bearing Obama's name.
Buses from across the country were in route over the past few days to DC, and traffic was moving slowly. The average wait time for a taxi was anywhere from 25 minutes to 3 hours, yet the mood of people was upbeat and friendly. Shortly after 12:00 EST, the 44th president had been sworn in.
After the morning luncheons and presidential parade, men grabbed their tuxedos while women donned their evening gowns. It was time for the inaugural galas. Everyone from business leaders to members of Congress and key political figures were all on hand to take in the festivities. The celebratory crowd cheered and danced the night away, including the country's new commander in chief.
As the late night carried on and the early morning began to approach, the parties eventually died down. People began to pack up their bags and take one last glimpse at the city where history was made, before returning to home.
Workers began to fill the streets and clean up the debris from all of the festivities. The sun had finally set on a day so many had dreamt of being a part of. A new day had come not only to Washington, but to the world.
I was so humbled to be in DC to take part in this extraordinary experience. January 20, 2009 will be a day most people won't soon forget. After the nation took a day to reflect and celebrate the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, America now stands ready to enter a new chapter in its history. This chapter will hopefully be one of service, leadership, optimism and positive change.