I was in 4th grade when the Challenger exploded. We had actually been released from school to go to religion class. We were up in the sanctuary when the church secretary came in and told the teachers about the terrible event. I remember knelling and praying like it was yesterday. I remember getting back to school and then getting home and actually seeing it for the first time. I remember feeling the gravity of the situation.
I was on my way to work on September 11, 2001. I was running late and traffic had been bad. I was still 15 minutes from my office when the first plane hit the WTC. I was listening to talk radio and remember them breaking into the show to tell us about the "accident". And I was still on my way to work when the 2nd plane hit and we all knew that it was no accident. I remember distinctly the radio announcer saying that we were under attack.
Those were two sad and tragic events in American history. Today was also a day that I will never forget and that will live on in history books but this time we can be happy. We can celebrate.
Of course I am thrilled that President Obama is at the reigns and I believe ready to lead out country. But I really stepped back today as an Obama supporter and tried to look at this for what it really is. This is America at its best. This is an America that elected an African American man to be our President. I honestly didn't know if I would see a day like this in my lifetime. And that is what I am celebrating today. That is why I cried watching the inauguration today. The amazing barriers that were broken today were monumental. The 1.5 million people that made the trek just to say they were there the day and that were there to represent their ancestors before them inspired me.
I also was just in awe of the traditions that were held today. Traditions that go back to George Washington. All the way back to our FIRST president. Amazing. I loved hearing all the stories of past presidents. I think my second calling may be to become a presidential historian.
I look forward to LIVING HISTORY that I will remember for the rest of my life and for a happy occasion and not one that brings sad thoughts.
3 comments:
Even for this skeptic, I was amazed at the video of the crowds stretching down the Mall! Kinda like the children's book that Susan gave Anna said, now that Barack Obama is president, the dreams of African-American children are limitless (or, at the very least, there's a highly visible African-American role model).
I'm holding my breath for what's to come, but for now I'll allow a bit of celebration...
I have to admit I'm annoyed with the Obama inauguration being a big deal.
I know it's a big deal to have a black president (MLK Day has ironically good timing this year); however, having grown up well past the civil rights movement and never being around much racism makes me feel like this should be just another presidential inauguration. It should NOT be a big deal that we now have a black president, it should just be a big deal that we have a new president.
And like David (hopefully I'm interpreting his comment as he meant it), I'm not ready to say he's the savior of the country or that he'll be a two-term president. Last I checked, the "checks and balances" system still exists which leaves Congress as a possible roadblock to actually getting anything done. And, let's face it, for right or wrong, people blame the president if things don't go well.
I just hope he can be more than a great orator which is mostly all we've seen so far.
Don't hate me! =)
First off I could never hate you for what you believe but I may disagree!
It is a big deal that we have a new president and I think at least for me there is always that excitement of a change and new era of presidency. I remember even feeling that with George W. in 2001 even though he wasn't my candidate of choice.
But I really do believe that Tuesday was more than just a new president. I can't deny that he is different than any other president before. And just because I didn't live in that time or haven't experienced racism personally doesn't mean I can't understand what a huge deal this is. It really wasn't that long ago that African American's had less civil rights just because the color of their skin. There are a lot of people still living that were part of that. And I am excited for them to be able to see that day happen.
And I think the sheer fact that so many people were excited about Tuesday and made a big deal about it - is something to celebrate! I don't think there is anything wrong with people getting excited and making a big deal about the inauguration.
Tuesday wasn't about politics and saving our country from the mess we are in. It wasn't about him being a savior. I believe it was about a new president who breathed life into the political system and people's hope for the future. And whether or not he is able to live up to the hopes and dreams is beside the point.
I guess I just don't see why it can't be a big deal! Why it is wrong for me to feel like it is a big deal. Why it is wrong for me to feel good about the future and what it COULD bring.
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