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News & Photos
Inauguration 2009: Being There
While most students and teachers watched the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama on television at school, some chose to witness it in person. Their observations follow:
Ian B. ’10 and Conor B. ’10: Silver ticket section, 300 yards from the stage
“Behind us was a sea of easily a million people waving miniature American flags. This was possibly the most patriotic thing I have ever witnessed, and it was great to see exactly how proud we Americans are of our country.
What truly fascinated me was that Obama could comfort and reassure a nation in just a few minutes. It was very neat to see the reaction of the crowds with every word he said.”
Olivia D: ’10 On the Mall, near the Museum of Natural History
“It was so meaningful to me to be witnessing history first-hand. I look forward to one day telling my children and grandchildren about this day, the greatest day of my life. Just standing on the mall a couple blocks from President Barack Obama, Vice president Joe Biden and Oprah and President Bush was so overwhelming. It was an honor to be a part of this historical event, and I will remember for that day for the rest of my life. I am so proud to be American and know we live in the greatest country in the world.”
Natalie F. ’09: On the Mall, in the front of the silver section
“From where we stood, we could only see The Capitol building itself and the monitors. We noticed thousands of people around us. We noticed the large amount of African-Americans in the crowd.
“It was beautiful to witness history. Being around millions of people who felt the same way was exciting and uplifting because I could trust everyone in that audience to do what Obama would want the citizens of America to do to make us a better nation. It was exhilarating.”
Lindsay S. ’10: Above the parade, from an office building at 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
“We watched the swearing in on TV, and everyone was silent. We cheered, and most of the adults cried during the historical moment. It was an amazing feeling knowing I was witnessing history. When the parade came around, the Obamas were out of the car walking. As soon as he was in sight, a roar erupted from the 3rd floor office room where we were sitting. The crowd below us went crazy, and the police officers all stood at attention keeping a close watch. I am so privileged to have been there, and look forward to telling this story to my children and grandchildren.”
Brianne R. ’09 and Ebony H ’09: On the Mall, just behind the ticketed area
“I noticed so many happy people. Out of the millions of people, there were no arrests. That rarely happens. People were united and happy, focusing on Obama. When Obama was first elected, it was surreal. I could not believe our next President would be of color. Watching him take his oath made it real. The feeling cannot be described.”
Stephanie Dennis, learning specialist, On the Mall, with her family
“How many times can parents and children share an opportunity to be a part of history? … We met people from all over: Mama Bea from Mississippi (who cried so..with tears of joy and pride)..then there was Mr. Ray, from a small town in Vermont, equally as proud of this “new America”… and a group of students from Texas … too many names to remember, but they each said that they had never been more involved and excited about the political process. We were all exhausted on the ride home…but so proud that we made the trip to witness history. We ate dinner and found ourselves glued to CNN...I kept thinking what a beautiful family, what a memorable day and what an opportunity that all of us now have to be a part of this great country.”
Andy Motsko, science department chair
“It was an amazing day--a once in a lifetime experience that I was able to share with my family. The mood of the crowd was joyous and celebratory. There was a real community spirit. There were lots of smiles and knowing looks between strangers that we were witnessing a momentous occasion in our history and that change was in front of us. It was awe inspiring to see the size of the crowd on the big screen and know we were a part of it. It was a day I will never forget.”
Cynthia Cox, English department chair and Will Abbot ’09, south side of the Mall
“We were near speakers but not a Jumbotron, so we experienced the Inauguration more through our ears than through our eyes. Listening to the speakers, the Oaths of Office, the Inaugural Address, the music, and the poetry in a peaceful and friendly (and enormous) crowd was very special. We all felt a powerful sense of community and shared hope.”
While most students and teachers watched the historic inauguration of President Barack Obama on television at school, some chose to witness it in person. Their observations follow:
Ian B. ’10 and Conor B. ’10: Silver ticket section, 300 yards from the stage
“Behind us was a sea of easily a million people waving miniature American flags. This was possibly the most patriotic thing I have ever witnessed, and it was great to see exactly how proud we Americans are of our country. What truly fascinated me was that Obama could comfort and reassure a nation in just a few minutes. It was very neat to see the reaction of the crowds with every word he said.”
Olivia D: ’10 On the Mall, near the Museum of Natural History
“It was so meaningful to me to be witnessing history first-hand. I look forward to one day telling my children and grandchildren about this day, the greatest day of my life. Just standing on the mall a couple blocks from President Barack Obama, Vice president Joe Biden and Oprah and President Bush was so overwhelming. It was an honor to be a part of this historical event, and I will remember for that day for the rest of my life. I am so proud to be American and know we live in the greatest country in the world.”
Natalie F. ’09: On the Mall, in the front of the silver section
“From where we stood, we could only see The Capitol building itself and the monitors. We noticed thousands of people around us. We noticed the large amount of African-Americans in the crowd.
“It was beautiful to witness history. Being around millions of people who felt the same way was exciting and uplifting because I could trust everyone in that audience to do what Obama would want the citizens of America to do to make us a better nation. It was exhilarating.”
Lindsay S. ’10: Above the parade, from an office building at 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave.
“We watched the swearing in on TV, and everyone was silent. We cheered, and most of the adults cried during the historical moment. It was an amazing feeling knowing I was witnessing history. When the parade came around, the Obamas were out of the car walking. As soon as he was in sight, a roar erupted from the 3rd floor office room where we were sitting. The crowd below us went crazy, and the police officers all stood at attention keeping a close watch. I am so privileged to have been there, and look forward to telling this story to my children and grandchildren.”
Brianne R. ’09 and Ebony H ’09: On the Mall, just behind the ticketed area
“I noticed so many happy people. Out of the millions of people, there were no arrests. That rarely happens. People were united and happy, focusing on Obama. When Obama was first elected, it was surreal. I could not believe our next President would be of color. Watching him take his oath made it real. The feeling cannot be described.”
Stephanie Dennis, learning specialist, On the Mall, with her family
“How many times can parents and children share an opportunity to be a part of history? … We met people from all over: Mama Bea from Mississippi (who cried so..with tears of joy and pride)..then there was Mr. Ray, from a small town in Vermont, equally as proud of this “new America”… and a group of students from Texas … too many names to remember, but they each said that they had never been more involved and excited about the political process. We were all exhausted on the ride home…but so proud that we made the trip to witness history. We ate dinner and found ourselves glued to CNN...I kept thinking what a beautiful family, what a memorable day and what an opportunity that all of us now have to be a part of this great country.”
Andy Motsko, science department chair
“It was an amazing day--a once in a lifetime experience that I was able to share with my family. The mood of the crowd was joyous and celebratory. There was a real community spirit. There were lots of smiles and knowing looks between strangers that we were witnessing a momentous occasion in our history and that change was in front of us. It was awe inspiring to see the size of the crowd on the big screen and know we were a part of it. It was a day I will never forget.”
Cynthia Cox, English department chair and Will Abbot ’09, south side of the Mall
“We were near speakers but not a Jumbotron, so we experienced the Inauguration more through our ears than through our eyes. Listening to the speakers, the Oaths of Office, the Inaugural Address, the music, and the poetry in a peaceful and friendly (and enormous) crowd was very special. We all felt a powerful sense of community and shared hope.”