A Baby Boomer's Witness to History Part II

While standing in a LONG LINE to get on the Metro (train) following the Inauguration, a man behind me said, “I can’t believe I drove all the way from Michigan to see the Inauguration on a TV screen.” He then smiled and added, “But it was worth every minute of it. I’m glad I was here!”

I echo those sentiments as a 51-year-old baby boomer who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with millions of others on the National Mall to witness history in the making. The swearing in of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States was nothing short of spectacular.

It didn’t matter that it was freezing cold or that I had to walk several miles to get to a spot where all I could see was a Jumbotron. Being crammed into a small space with strangers didn’t seem to stress anyone out. Instead it gave us an opportunity to mingle, to laugh and to make some new friends.

I’m still in awe of how one man could inspire so many people from around the world to come to Washington, DC to celebrate the day.

There were people in wheelchairs----mothers pushing babies in strollers and fathers carrying young ones on their shoulders. There were those who dressed to impress with their stylish mink coats, fur hats and Obama gear—while others looked like they hadn’t slept in a few days. Two young women told me they drove 40 hours straight from California to be there. A family from Louisiana braved the freezing cold for six hours while waiting to hopefully get a good spot and glimpse of our new Commander-in-Chief.

It was all a sight to behold---a moment in time. I clearly understood what the First Lady was saying when she said “For the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.” Of course, she was harshly criticized for her comments but for those of us who have felt disenfranchised---especially African American Baby Boomers----January 20 represented a day of reckoning.

Enjoy the slide show.