Reflecting

Since I got back to Columbia early Wednesday morning, I’ve had some time to think about the significance of what I’ve witnessed. 

The inauguration wasn’t just a peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next, it was the result of a national movement – the likes of which this country has never seen before. Young people, once overlooked and underrepresented, led the charge for a campaign for the ultimate political underdog. Spreading messages of unity, hope and change, the ‘apathetic generation’ convinced the rest of the country to put their trust in a junior senator from Illinois.

Never before has the past presidency cast such a huge shadow on the incoming one. With two wars, an economy in shambles and American leadership in doubt, people weren’t just looking for a president, they were looking for a leader. Barack Obama, the “scrawny kid with a funny name,” came to this race light on accomplishments but heavy on hope. After eight years of fumbling, America has found its leader.

Of course, the election of the first African-American president is monumental. The civil rights movement is not over, by any stretch of the imagination, but this is the biggest step towards equality since Martin Luther King, Jr. shared his “dream” atop the steps of the Lincoln Memorial over 40 years ago. America’s past of racism and hate isn’t something to be proud of, but it’s astounding how far we’ve come. What a country we live in.

There will always be dissenters, but the fact remains: Barack unified this country like no one else could. As I stood on the National Mall, alongside millions more, frozen from head to toe, I felt warm inside. We weren’t the only ones celebrating, millions around the world rejoiced the return of an America that welcomes collaboration, sparks friendships and supports freedom for all. Let it be known: America is back.

- Jonathan

A commemorative button I bought on Monday. Vendors capitalized on the crowds by setting up shop throughout the city.

The press pass I was issued for the Inauguration. It didn't allow me in any ticketed areas, but it's still a cool keepsake.

The official media guide of the Inaugural weekend. What's happening, where it's happening and who to contact.

With a glowing Washington Monument in the background, myself, Will and Meredith pose before dawn on the National Mall. Sorry, I don't have one of all of us!

Inauguration videos

Sorry these are up late, I didn’t get back until late last night and had classes all today. Obama’s speech wouldn’t upload because it’s greater than 10 minutes =(.

As you can tell, we had a pretty decent spot…

Greetings from the Mall

Still waiting…and cold

Invocation by Rev. Rick Warren

Biden sworn in

Obama sworn in

Just a sample.

 

As the sun rises on the Washington Monument, thousands of people started filling the National Mall.

 

A man watches the swearing in during an office party. Many businesses and organizations held watch parties for the Inaugural swearing in and parade.

A little boy stands in the front window of a local restaurant. He, like many other children, were brought to the city to witness history.

Grace, a D.C. native dances during an impromtu block party on the corner of 12th and E Street. Many people began to flock to this area when they heard the tribal drums.

 

President Barack Obama's motorcade makes its way down Pennsylvania Avenue. The Inagural Parade began at about 3:30 pm.

What a day!

President Barack Obama! It just has a ring to it. 

Wow. So much to say, so little time to say it. I have about 10 minutes here before we hit the road for South Carolina. Let me say a few things…

- It’s wonderful to be out of the cold. We were on the National Mall from 4 a.m until 2 p.m. It was worth every second of shivering though, we were parallel to the second Jumbrotron on the Mall.

- We were interviewed by a local TV station. Don’t worry, we gave USC a shout out. 

- I have NEVER experienced a more friendly, more excited, more electric atmosphere. People stayed warm by chanting “Obama, Obama” or dancing to the replay of the concert from Sunday. 

- There were volunteers greeting us at 4 a.m. telling us “Good morning” and “Have fun.” Very nice way to start the day.

- We spent the night in Georgetown, so getting to the mall only took us about an hour in the morning. After the swearing-in, however, everything went to hell. Metro stops were overflowing, no one could move and I thought a riot was going to start. It took us two hours to even get inside a Metro station.

- Apparently, an elderly woman was ran over at a Metro station, further congesting the already frenzied transportation situation.

- We had planned on going to the parade, but the route had filled up by 9 am. We were exhausted anyway.

- The Benediction, by Rev. Joseph Lowery, was great. It ended with a great line, something like, “blacks don’t look back, browns come around, yellows keep it mellow, reds get ahead, whites get right.” Great ending to a great ceremony.

- Was it Obama or Justice Roberts that messed up the Oath? Couldn’t tell from our vantage point.

- College students were the ones getting the Mall the earliest. I’d say at 5 am, it was 75% below age 25. Maybe we’re the only ones stupid enough, the wind chill was in the single digits.

- Sen. Ted Kennedy suffered a seizure at the luncheon after the Inauguration. My thoughts are with him.

- The boo’s when George W. Bush and Dick Cheaney (loved the wheelchair and cane look) were shown on the screens was very audible. Eight years of Bush were enough for this crowd.

Okay, I’ll post more videos/thoughts tomorrow. We’re hitting the road.

- Jonathan

The crises we face are strong, but so is America…

So it is official. We have our first African American President. How amazing it is to be alive right now?

I watched the swearing in from my sister’s Pennsylvania Avenue office and went out on the balcony to hear some as well. I made friends with the sniper on the balcony and he actually graduated from the College of Charleston. Standing on that balcony and hearing the roar of 2 million people was absolutely amazing. The chanting of “Obama! Obama!” and the cheers and applauds could be heard all over D.C.

After Obama’s speech, I headed down to the streets where I expected to be able to get to 10th and Constitution…but I was wrong. I would have had to stand in line with 10,000 other people trying to get to the parade at the same time. Why they don’t have a press checkpoint, I do not know. Where the real story lies is in the streets of Washington, D.C. People have come from all over the world to witness this historical moment. People were chanting, screaming, and dancing in the streets. Flags of all different countries were being waved by adults and children. As I was about to head back to my sister’s office in total defeat, I heard drums in the distance. I headed back to 12th street and there in the middle is a bunch of tribal drummers chanting Obama’s name and dancing. People started to crowd around to film and take pictures (including myself). I stayed for about 15 minutes and then headed back to Pennsylvania Avenue.

I am about to head to and make friends with my sniper friend on the balcony. The parade is about to begin and I’m going to try to get some aerial shots. Let’s cross our fingers.

Hope, Peace, and Love,

- Keri

PS Pictures will be posted once I get home. … Which may be a while depending on the metro traffic.

PSS. A 64 year old woman was hit by the metro in Chinatown/Gallery Place. Uh oh.

The sun rises on Washington

… and it is a new day.

Currently I am in an office building on Pennsylvania Avenue 10 stories up. I luckily have access to a balcony that has a direct view of the Washington Monument. Taking advantage of this amazing shot, I took pictures before the sunrise when all was dark, and then as the sun was rising. Unfortunately, the sun didn’t rise direcly behind the Monument as I had wanted (stupid sun), so I just got pictures as it got light outside.

Jonathan marked his spot on the National Mall around 4:30 this morning. I hope that he isn’t freezing, but … I’m pretty sure all 127 billion people are. For now, I’m staying warm in the building and watching the swearing in from here. After that I will head down to my parade spot on the corner of 10th Street and Constitution. Hopefully I’ll remember how to get there, not get stopped by police or trampled by people.

We woke up at 3 am and left by 4. The metro opened at that time, so there was some congestion, but not too terrible. Once inside the station, my card wouldn’t work. I was flustered and upset, but they let me through. My question is … how am I going to get home? Oh well. We’ll deal with that when the time comes. Since we were the first stop on the red line, it wasn’t too packed, but once we started getting closer to the city, more and more people crammed on. It was funny to see a woman (who was obviously from out of town) try to catch the closing metro door by simply placing her hand between them. WRONG. She almost lost a hand, but jumped back before it hurt her. Then she tried to wave down the driver to tell him she needed to get on. Silly woman.

When we got into the city, we stopped for breakfast at the Corner Bakery. I had amazing oatmeal and watched the people line up outside. At 4 the line was already forming for the parade. Now I am about to go blow up patriotic balloons and watch the Inauguration.

For all those watching (and hopefully reading) out there, remember how important this day is. And yes, Obama is an amazing man, but he is not a superhero. Enjoy the Inauguration and Parade from the comforts of your dorm rooms, apartments, hotels or wherever you may be.

- Keri

PS. Jealous of the snow.

‘Twas the night before Inauguration …

 

… when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The coats, gloves, scarves, hats, and 7 other layers of clothing were hung by the door with care, with hopes that Barack Obama would soon be there. The children AND adults were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of change and progress danced in their heads.

 

Okay, I give up. 

Today my sister and I decided to take this day off and enjoy ourselves before the BIG DAY. We went into the city and grabbed lunch at Chop’t … again. It’s a great place and I’m going to miss it when I leave. After that we walked on the streets for a while. I vowed to myself to never buy anything from a street vendor while in D.C. but I broke down and purchased an awesome scarf (no, it wasn’t an Obama scarf) for $8. Pretty sweet. After that we met up with Jonathan to hand over the lovely press pass for tomorrow’s swearing in. He’s going to take that on while I take photos at the parade. When we left the coffee shop, my sister showed me my route that I will be taking tomorrow. It was a straight shot today, but I’m pretty nervous that it will be PACKED with people tomorrow. We then decided to play tourist for a little bit and decided to go give Bush a visit at the White House. Not really, but I got to see it from across the street. Then we got yelled at by police. … That was pretty cool. We decided to take pictures with the Washington Monument and just relax on the National Mall before it became the National Zoo tomorrow. Many people were out there playing frisbee, flying kites, and just enjoying themselves before tomorrow. The general atmosphere of D.C. is pleasant. I have yet to see any arguments or confrontations except for an illegal street vendor that didn’t have a license…uh oh. But yes, everyone seems to be pretty easy going today, but let’s just wait until tomorrow morning at 4 am when the Metro opens up and lines start to form. This will be fun. 

Today I saw a group of break dancers perform in front of porta potties. That was pretty exciting. 

Well…I must wake up at 3 am, so I’m going to attempt to go to bed. It feels like tomorrow is the first day of school, but in reality it is the first day to a new beginning. Goodnight everyone! And enjoy tomorrow wherever you may be. It will be an exciting day we will never forget!

- Keri

PS. The snow thing makes me mad. I saw flurries this morning, but for Columbia to get actual snow makes me mad that I will be missing it. But hey … I’m in DC for Inauguration. 

PSS. Thanks to Jonathan and all others who are enjoying the pictures. 

PSSS. I will be wearing 4 shirts, 2 jackets,4 pairs of socks, and fake ugg boots tomorrow. Wish me luck that I don’t come down with hypothermia or lose a limb. Thanks!

 

One of many street vendors along the streets of D.C.

 

An Obama cookie at the Firehook Bakery and Coffee House.

Me ... with the cookie.

 

My generic shot of the white house. After the area had been cleared and while I was being yelled at by police.

Taking a break to eat a salad in the freezing cold...

 

Me in front of the White House ... being a tourist.

Father and son duo carry signs around D.C. stating "Arrest Bush."

 

Many visitors attempt this shot. Leaning on, squeezing, and holding the Washington Monument is very popular.