D-Mac’s Blog

I would like to share a guest blog post today.  My mother lives in the Washington D.C. area and was able to participate in several of the Inauguration events.  Below is a post sharing her thoughts on a Sunday drive just before the Inauguration.

The events of the past few days leave me wanting to allow the sights, sounds and emotions experienced to linger awhile in my thoughts. I am in awe of how we, the United States of America, demonstrated to the watching world how people of many cultures and how people of many perspectives can speak out their differing doctrines yet through a “by the people, for the people” democratic process come together for the transfer of government political leadership in a peaceful, jubilant, celebratory manner.

I chose to view the Inauguration Day events with friends in the comfort of my home. However, it was the prelude, the few days prior to the event that gave me opportunity to rub shoulders with the people who came to be a part of this historic inauguration. I invite you to come along with me as I relive my “Sunday drive” into the District of Columbia on January 18, 2009.

There was little Sunday morning traffic as I whizzed across the 14^th Street Bridge and drove a zigzag pathway toward the Lincoln Memorial. With the We Are One Concert scheduled to begin around 2:30, I knew that street closures would make it impossible to get very close. That was okay as my true purpose was to see firsthand the security in place and what means was used to block off streets.

At every intersection there were about 5 police/military personnel clearly visible and strictly enforcing “no part of the vehicle is to extend into the pedestrian walkway of the intersection.” Several drivers, including me, heard the whistle and were immediately told to back up, clearing the walkway. Even though there was no walker in sight, I gladly followed this safety order.

Camouflage-clothed individuals and military hummers parked crosswise blocked numerous streets and effectively managed to keep the crowds moving toward the Lincoln Memorial to stake out their small spot of ground space from which to watch the We Are One concert. Again, it was impressive to understand the organization and discipline required to make all of this work.

Satisfied that getting closer was not an option, valet parking at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel seemed like a great plan – and it was! The Willard is so rich in history and is a grand hotel in décor and ‘feel.’ The lobby and Peacock Alley inaugural decorations were exquisite. Watching the steady flow of guests arriving was a fashion show and celebrity/political sighting rolled into one. Constant movement and conversational buzz continued as the lobby filled, a Harvard reception began in the meeting rooms downstairs and the ballroom hosted a special luncheon – later someone told me it was an Oprah event!

Directly across the street from the Willard is the White House Visitor Center. Why not check it out? Especially with having the advantage of being there early on a Sunday morning. Walking right in – there was no waiting line at all – I felt like the place was ‘all mine’ as I browsed and quickly became friends with the staff. There were several great activities for kids – designed specifically to help them understand and celebrate the inauguration. Of course – I now have one copy of each activity. The Visitor Center is run by the Park Service and the Park Rangers were handing out special inauguration buttons. By now, the staff had taken me under wing and made certain my VC shopping bag was stuffed with anything and everything they were handing out. Upon leaving I noticed the entrance line now extended out the door and down the sidewalk. Brr! That would not have been fun in the cold morning temperatures. Positive luck was shining on my day.

Next, it was a walk around the White House area and snapping some photos until my toes and nose felt like icicles The Café du Parc was the perfect spot for a warm up of cranmosa – mimosa made with cranberry juice – and chocolate croissants. It also provided an informal way to meet more people and learn there ‘story’ that had brought them into town for the inauguration. If there was any doubt about the enthusiasm and high expectations that Barack Obama has generated for his presidential term, the atmosphere within this room erased even a trace of it.

After reclaiming my car getting close to the Capitol seemed like a good idea. There was a parking space awaiting on 3^rd Street. Walking among the many people who were milling around and taking pictures renewed the sense of excitement. It was contagious! Equally noticeable was the diversity and the patient demeanor displayed by everyone I encountered. There were more smiles than frowns. There was more kindly conversation than rude remarks. There was an atmosphere similar to enjoying a pleasant summer day even though it was a breezy, single digit wind chill day.

Three hours had passed. My senses were filled with the experience. It was time to leave. The concert was scheduled to begin and I wanted to avoid being captured in slow moving traffic. Surprisingly, I easily navigated the route to 395 and was home in the regular amount of time. Immediately I turned on the TV and was astounded by the traffic flow going into the District and the multitudes of people ready to rock ‘n roll at the Lincoln Memorial. Whew! I had missed the traffic and the huge crowds . . . but I did not miss out on a wonderful prelude to the emotional atmosphere that would prevail throughout the next two days. I am so very blessed to live in America…land of the free!