I witnessed history in Washington yesterday. The expression sounds trite, but it’s true. People descended on the nation’s capital from everywhere for the big event.
There was such a feeling of solidarity. People who’d normally never talk to one another have become best friends as they waited — and waited — to board the Metro. Getting around the city was a walking event and people from all over the world gathered together to welcome President and Mrs. Barack Obama and his two daughters to the White House.
People were literally in tears — of happiness and from the cold — as they watched the 44th President of the United States be sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States.
Even if they were nowhere near the Capitol, just being on the Mall was enough to be a part of the event.
There were at least twenty events taking place in Paris including one at the Hôtel de Ville (French for “City Hall”) today. Americans held celebrations all over the world.
If people couldn’t attend an event, they could sign onto the Internet. Facebook and other social networking sites enabled people to virtually participate in the swearing in and other festivities. More people watched this event than any previous inauguration – either on television or via the Internet.
Being in Washington holds special significance — welcoming the first black American President. Barack Obama is inheriting some the greatest problems the world has ever known.
Everyone, no matter their political affiliation or nationality, is unanimous in wishing him and his administration luck. Even though the weather was cloudy yesterday, the sun is shining.
How did you celebrate this Inaugural Day?
Karen Fawcett is president of BonjourParis.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
We kept the TV on all day long, which we don’t usually do. I tried to get a train reservation to go home today from BWI to EWR, but there was not a seat to be had. So I’m staying here in MD a couple of days longer than I had anticipated.
People were literally in tears — of happiness and from the cold — as they watched the 44th President of the United States be sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States.
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Those tears of JOY dissipated rather quickly when EVERYONE, meaning, thousands and thousands and thousands of AIR TRAVELERS converged on Washington National Airport and tried to check luggage as well as get through security.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCCItB7dC2M
How typical, Long lines and SHORT TEMPERS even after Obama’s inauguration. A new era in Washington this week? NOT SO, at DCA.
People were literally in tears — of happiness and from the cold — as they watched the 44th President of the United States be sworn in by the Chief Justice of the United States.
==================================================
Those tears of JOY dissipated rather quickly when EVERYONE, meaning, thousands and thousands and thousands of AIR TRAVELERS converged on Washington National Airport and tried to check luggage as well as get through security.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCCItB7dC2M
How typical, Long lines and SHORT TEMPERS even after Obama’s inauguration. A new era in Washington this week? NOT SO, at DCA.
You say that “Everyone, no matter their political affiliation or nationality, is unanimous in wishing him and his administration luck.”
If only that were so…….according to news reports I read, Rush Limbaugh is not included in the “everyone.” If it is correct that Limbaugh said, when speaking of President Obama, “I hope he fails….” then we have not yet reached the era of unanimity that we need.