Over the last several days, I've had the opportunity to participate in the inauguration festivities. What a fun, exciting, COLD, and crowded weekend it was. The weekend started off right when I purchased my very own, "I Heart Obama" t-shirt. Don't worry, my shirt was well worth the $14.99 I spent on it, as I wore it Friday night, Sunday, & Tuesday.
Sunday afternoon Adam & I headed down to the Mall to participate in the free, public concert at the Lincoln Memorial. There were projector screens, & speakers set up everywhere. We made it as far as the World War II Memorial. The event honored Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and other forefathers of this great Nation. We got to sing-a-long to patriotic songs sung by some of my favorite musicians. Those of you who know me well, know that I get pretty giddy when it comes to singing patriotic music. I love events such as this that bring Americans together to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy today.
Some of the celebs that attended the concert: Tom Hanks (at least we got a classy celeb to pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln)
James Taylor
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO,
BONO!!!! I kind of went nuts when he sang, Pride.
Mr. President
himself, Barack Obama. Others in attendance: Bruce
Springsteen, John Cougar-
Mellencamp, Bob
Seeger, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Usher, and singing the closing song, "America the Beautiful,
Beyonce.
Monday, we decided to go on a day trip to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. We went on a guided tour of the home. I enjoyed touring the house, furnishings, and learning a little about the architecture. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, was indeed an inspired man.
January 20, 2009: Thanks to my lovely roommate, I got a purple ticket for the big event. A group of us left early Tuesday morning, clothed in many, many layers. Despite the low temperature, we were determined to participate in the excitement going on in our city! We didn't have any trouble getting there, however the madness began as soon as we stepped out of the metro. We stood in line for a couple of hours, and moved only a block or two in that time. During our time in line, ambulances tried to maneuver there way through the crowds to attend to emergencies. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Every direction you looked, masses of people stood, trying to inch their way to the National Mall. Unfortunately, our gate closed when we were about 100 feet from the gate. Ticket holders were quite upset. We were a little disappointed, but it was just fun to be down there amongst the crowds of people. What an exciting day in DC!
Adam, Lisa, & Kevin
Lisa, Michele, & Adam
After we found out the gate was closed, we headed over to Adi's office in the Senate building. We attended a Utah Delegation Party, where food, and hot chocolate was served. It was nice to get inside, away from the freezing cold! The coolest part, was when we watched the Marine One fly away from the Capitol. We had a direct view to the Capitol from where we were. Although I am excited for a new Presidency in the
WH, it was sad to say goodbye to President Bush, and Laura. I am very grateful for their service and devotion to our country. I was disappointed to hear people booing the former President at the Inauguration ceremony. As Brian would say, "Respect the office, tolerate the occupant!"
Adi took us on a tour of Senator
Hatch's office. I was hoping we could have jammed to a little Hatch/
JKP medley (Janice
Kapp Perry). A special thanks to Adi for the tickets and a fun celebration at the Hart Building.
Let's hope the next four years bring growth, security, and a better America! I am hopeful!!
