Memories of Inauguration 2009

Love him or loath him, the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009 was a special time in our country’s history.  Approximately two million people, the largest inaugural gathering ever, faced the cold and the crowds to see this historic moment, when the first African-American person became President of the United States.

Hint: Click photos for a larger view.

Sunrise at the Obama Inauguration

Everyone had to get up very early that Tuesday morning.  I started to park coaches at 5:00 AM.  Only coaches and official vehicles were allowed in the city from 7:00 PM the night before to 7 PM that night so there was very little traffic.  Spectators had to get to the mall very early to find a spot.  Ticket holders had to go through intense security.  As the morning progressed, it became more and more difficult to get to the mall area due to increasing crowds.  The weather was clear but cold with a slight breeze, in the lower 30’s by mid-morning.  The best thing about the crowd was they blocked the breeze!

Student Group at the Obama Inauguration

For a crowd this large, it overall was a very considerate group.  I witnessed very little shoving or poor behavior.  There was an air of excitement throughout the crowd.  People were talking about the election and future possibilities.  Once the Smithsonian museums opened at 10, some people went into them to get warm.  By that time it was getting almost impossible to get to the mall area.  I was able to get through the Smithsonian Visitor Center gardens which were closed shortly after I went through due to the massive numbers of people still wanting to get in. Once on the mall, they had many large screen video monitors set up between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial so no matter where you stood, you could see and hear just fine.

Father and son share historic event together

At about 11 AM they started seating the dignitaries.  It took a very long time.  I felt rather bad when they seated President George W. Bush and people booed.  Even though he may have made some errors, he still gave eight years of his life serving our country.

Obama's Inauguration Speech

Finally the official ceremony began around noon.  It was getting even colder and the breeze kicked up a notch.  There was a growing murmur of excitement growing as Mr. Obama and his wife, Michelle entered.  The applause was huge.  Aretha Franklin sang.  A prayer was offered. Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President.  Then Mr. Obama, with Michelle and millions of people around the world watching, was sworn in as President of the United States.

After being sworn in, the President gave his inaugural address.  It was only about 18 minutes long.  He said a lot in those few minutes.  To me this was the neatest part of the whole experience.  For 18 minutes, TWO MILLION PEOPLE in attendance at this very historical moment were QUIET and LISTENING!   There was only appropriate applause and quite a few “Amen’s”. It was an incredible moment!  I know I could have been at home which would have been a lot more comfortable and a whole lot warmer but for the rest of my life, I can tell people, “I was there!”

Historic Crowd at the Obama Inauguration

If you are a teacher reading this, you should consider taking your students to Inauguration in 2013.  Get together with your Tour Operator to get approximate pricing and start getting students who will be in school during that period excited to attend.  By making reservations early, you can get the best located hotels and other considerations and spread payments over years rather than months. Make sure your students and parents have the opportunity, just like me, to say, “I was there!”

For information about student travel to our nation’s capital:  http://www.traveladventures.com/wdc

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