Attending the inauguration of Barack Obama was an incredible experience. The positive energy and excitement of the millions who attended made me proud to be an American. I had press credentials which gave me a single ticket to the swearing-in ceremony. Before the event I had been concerned about attending alone, but I never was alone. Everywhere I went I was among friendly people of all walks of life. It was a day to share with others and feel blessed that our country has come together in a spirit of patriotism and love for one another. I’d never been part of such an enormous crowd. The police and other security officials were everywhere. Moving from place to place was challenging but everyone that I encountered moved in an orderly fashion and remained patient. What I will especially remember about this day is the hope in everyone’s heart and the faith in Barack Obama to restore our country’s place in the world and meet the challenges that we face ahead. It was wonderful to take part in such a historic moment. Photo © Anthony D. Zinnanti
See a gallery of inauguration pictures.
Whether you attended in person or watched the events on TV, please share your experience and thoughts about the inauguration in the comment section below.
Comments
Great photo of President Obama at the Lincoln Memorial!
For me, watching the inauguration on TV was an uplifting experience. In his speech, the new president managed to touch on every one of the biggest challenges our country faces and politely but firmly repudiate the disastrous policies of the last eight years. After eight years of despair, I am now filled with hope.
I was lucky enough to get to go to the Inauguration, it was the most memorable, historic moment of my life.
The crowds were a little much, but with plenty of patience we made it through fine.
How wonderful that you were able to be right in the midst of these historical occasions, Rachel.
I loved the entire gallery of photos, and can’t wait for more!
What an amazing and unforgettable experience. Wonderful photos, and excellent guidance from you leading up to the event. Congratulations.
Sounds like you had an amazing day. I wish I could have been in DC, but I could definitely feel the energy all the way from New York! And I’m still hyped up.
Thanks for sharing the great photos
I was there too, although in the cheap seats compared to where you were. I blogged about the experience of being shoulder to shoulder with total strangers but sharing a feeling that we were witnessing history. I learned that four-plus hours of waiting together in below-freezing weather can create a bond!
What an incredible experience that must have been. Thanks for sharing!
Just watching on TV was incredible. The energy in the crowd must have been almost unbearable.
Rachel, thanks for sharing! It sounds like you had an incredible day!! Just watching on TV was an inspiration. I thought Obama’s speech hit all the right notes. It was a tough speech to give in today’s climate – hopeful, yet realistic.
I had a purple ticket, six hours in the line, cold and only move 2ft. Had a great time meeting and talking to the group around us. Something happen at the purple gate entrance and was not open leaving lots of us standing in line and no one was told anything. No word from anyone as to why we were not allow into the purple ticket area.
Very cool, ma’am. Very cool.
Shea
Wow! Would have loved to be there. Blown away by the crowds and energy, just seeing it via tv.
The best photo in your entire gallery is the one you took yourself of Obama giving his Inaugural Address. Congratulations on earning such a great spot through your hard work and fine journalism. =)
I STOOL IN PARADE LINE FOR 3 HOURS WHEN I REALIZED I HAD TO FINE PURPLE TICKET ENTRANCE. ONCE I GET IN COULDN’T SEE TOO SHORT SO I SQUEEZED BETWEEN 2 PROTABLE POTTIES AND SUSPENDED MYSELF ABOUT 3FEET OFF THE GROUND FROM THE HANDLES ON SIDE OF THE PORTABLES.. HAD GREAT VISUAL FOR PHOTOS, EVAN HAD SEVERAL CAMERA’S PASSED TO ME TO TAKE PICTURES. COOL.