We arrived in Washington D.C. around 10 am on January 20, 2009 to witness the most historic event of my lifetime thus far. Gettysburg served as an all too appropriate precursor for the trip considering the soon-to-be president retraced former President Lincoln’s trail on his way to the state capital.
When we arrived we met people who had been in the city since before daylight, all determined to gain a glance at President-elect Barak Obama as he took his presidential oath.
In an attempt to find refuge from trekking in the cold in the mall, we walked block after block only to find that entrances were filled to capacity. Nearly two million people crowded Washington just to see one man. One man, whose words inspired a nation of people of all races, economical status’, gender, ages, and did not stop there, his words even reached shores of other nations across the world. At one point, I don’t even think we were walking anymore, the crowd glided through the tunnel and down the blocks to find one small space for one person to fit in, then moved on to the next opening.
When settled, bumping into a neighbor was inevitable, yet all practiced common courtesy and patience. Not only had this man inspired and attracted so many people, he also unified a crowd of millions.
One of the most remarkable parts of the trip was when the Chief Justice swore President Obama in. The entire crowd of MILLIONS fell silent to hear an oath that 43 other presidents have taken. This one meant something more—it meant hope, change, and faith in the people of the United States.
One thing I really disliked about this Presidential election was that so many celebrated him as “the first Black President”. While this is true, I give President Obama more credit than that. I see him as a courageous American who spoke up and said “Something is wrong”. Furthermore, he is an innovative man who thought up possible solutions to reform what isn’t right. Above that he is a humble man who recognizes that like everyone he is flawed and may make mistakes, but open minded and faithful enough to face that threat head on and work closely with everyone toward the common goal of perfecting the nation. He is also someone unselfish enough to empower each and every individual in the nation to play his or her part in advancing the United States. He is more than just a black man, President Obama is an American who strives for the world as it should be.