Change Comes To Washington - Parade - 1.20.2009

Tuesday, January 20, 1999 - The Dawn of A New Day - President Barack Obama

Will you always remember this day?

How did you spend your day?

How did you feel?

Our day started very early - around 3:00 AM. Myself, Renee, Beverly, and Austin (12 years old) were up, layered and ready to go. We met one of their neighbors and drove not very far to a park and ride station. There we parked and rode a motor coach to the Metro station. The motor coach, a 45+ passenger was full. We had a smooth ride to the Metro station. As we approached the Metro, we could see an endless line of people. Since we already had our Metro pass, I assumed that was the line to purchase tickets. As we unloaded and took the escalator to the boarding area, we were met by Security Guards. To our surprise, the loooong line was our line. The line extended out of the metro station, across the crosswalk, into the parking deck, down the side of the parking deck and around the corner. This was approximately 5:00 AM. But everyone was orderly and cooperative, so the line moved rather quickly. Anyone who attempted to break in line was quickly reported to Security!

Getting On The Train

We had to wait for the 3rd or 4th train to board. It was standing room only! We were fortunate to find a seat. People were packed in the aisles and at every stop, someone would try to sqeeze in. I remember one gentleman from Colorado. Evidently, he had been celebrating all night and was still feeling no cold at that time of morning. He told his daughter that he felt like melted cheese on a cheeseburger- That is how close they were! His mother, probably 70ish, was standing and holding the rail. I noticed that she was getting weak and pale as she stood. After a few stops, I yielded my seat to her and she thanked me! People were armed with everything from bottled water to bathroom tissue.

Downtown D.C.

We were downtown approximately 7:00 AM. We had to take a bathroom and coffee break. A coffee shop was open. At this time, downtown was full of people. It was our plan to secure a prime position for the parade route. One policeman told us to go to 14th street, but that was incorrect. We ended up at 12th st and we needed to be at 12th and Pennsylvania Ave. The line was already crowded. I seen some folks from Charlotte. The mood was excitement and anticipation. So, we joined the crowd waiting for the parade gates to open at 8:00 AM. It was our understanding that the District would be on lock down after a certain number of people were admitted.

The crowd was thick and packed tightly from one side of the street to the other. There were some self-proclaimed entertainers who attempted to sing, give shout outs to cities, etc. One guy offered to sell a can of vienna sausages for $10.00. Some people sang Obama songs and led Obama cheers! To make a long story short, we stood in this line until 11:30ish. There was a security gate that you had to pass. We seen the Presidential motorcade pass on their way to the inauguration. We were so close, but yet so far!

We could hear the inauguration on speakers. People were crying and hugging each other as President Obama spoke. Time seemed to stand still!

After the inauguration, we got some lunch. The parade was scheduled to start at 2:30 but was delayed due to the incident with Sen. Kennedy. Finally, the parade started and a long roar erupted from the crowd. I think everyone there had either a cell phone or camera. When the announcer announced that the President and First Lady were getting out of their car and walking, a huge wave of people rushed to get closer to Pennsylvania Avenue. It was unbelievable! The Obamas were very cool and you could tell that they were enjoying the moment! The girls were smart and remained in the limo!

People of all ages - with walking canes and strollers, Black, White, Asian, African, etc. were there to witness history. By now, the sun was setting, the temp dropping and we had seen the first family. It was time to head to the Metro for the ride home. If you can imagine, the metro was even more crowded on the return trip. It took maybe 15-20 minutes to get on the train. We finally made it to our cars and we decided to get some dinner while we were out.

We went to an Outback. When the hostess said that there was a wait of 55 minutes, those words pierced my heart like sticking a pin in a balloon. Wait - did she say wait? Thanks, but no thanks. We left and found a TGI Fridays with no wait!