Inauguration Testimonial

Sarah Smith, a Central High School student, was one of the estimated 2 million revelers in Washington D.C. on Tuesday morning for the inauguration of President Barack Obama. We asked her to send us her story (she also attended the Youth Ball that evening).

I went to inauguration and the Midwest inaugural ball. We didn't have tickets to the actual swearing-in, so we were just part of the crowd for that. But at the ball we had tickets. My uncle has been invloved in politics in D.C. for 30 years, so we got those tickets through family connections. The ball was amazing and energized like nothing I've ever experienced. Six of the ten balls were held at the same convention center. It started out with a few opening bands and people chatting around and getting refreshments. Then Sheryl Crow came and sang quite a few songs. Finally they announced Joe Biden was coming and everyone started shifting around in anticipation. VP Biden came out with his wife and spoke for a while then danced. About a half hour later the Marine Corps Band came and preformed,fFollowed by President Obama, who gave an amazing speech then danced with Michelle Obama to a song preformed by the Marine Corps Band. By then everyone started to disperse and make their way to coat check. But the overall attitude was still very excited. It seemed to run smoothly and as planned.

Going back to the actual swearing in, the atmosphere was even more uplifting. Although it was very packed, my family and I stood at about Constitution and 14th street, a little in front of the American History Museum. We had an amazing spot and view considering the circumstances, we had a spot to see one of the big screens. There was constant cheering (except the boo-ing when George Bush was introduced).

If you were at the inauguration, or know a 417-lander who was, drop us a line at matt@417mag.com and we'll try to share their story.

Matt Lemmon, web editor

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