January 20th - 2009
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By Garrison.phillips January 26, 2009, 1:01 pm |
We all remember certain days and where we were and what we were doing
at that particular time in our lives. I have added the recent
inauguration of President Obama to my list. Although I had been
invited, along with hundreds of others, to view the event at City Hall
- invited by New York City's own Princess of Politics, Christine Quinn
- I chose to stay at home and watch it alone. I didn't want any
distraction and truly wanted to savor this historic moment by myself.
Knowing Washington, DC quite well from my college summers waiting tables at the old Hot Shoppes, I could visualize it all in spite of the swirling mobs of visitors. The grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool inspiring us to remember and reflect, the awesome needle of the Washington Monument and the grand Capitol Building - its echoing corridors filled with ghosts of America's political past, the central vaulted chamber, the north and south entrances - I had visited all of them many times. And now, on this historic day, truly a pathway for America and all its folks, not only those who were physically present.
Just seeing the innocent, joyful faces of our new First Daughters tells us so much. They are so obviously part of a loving, caring family and carry with their very presence the promise of their parents - the promise to look after America with the same love and respect that they show Malia and Sasha. And the stunning First Lady, Michelle Obama, dazzling all with her choice of a yellow brocade outfit which made its own statement of hope and new horizons and glowing like a bright beam of sunshine on this cold winter's day.
And our new president, Barack Obama. The simplicity of his speech - brief, yet filled with strength and a message for all, breathtaking in its inclusiveness and specificity. Hail to the Chief indeed. It was gratifying to learn that I was not the only one moved to tears of relief and joy and hope as this magnificent day unfolded in our new year of 2009. All thanks to our new president, Barack Obama.
Knowing Washington, DC quite well from my college summers waiting tables at the old Hot Shoppes, I could visualize it all in spite of the swirling mobs of visitors. The grandeur of the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool inspiring us to remember and reflect, the awesome needle of the Washington Monument and the grand Capitol Building - its echoing corridors filled with ghosts of America's political past, the central vaulted chamber, the north and south entrances - I had visited all of them many times. And now, on this historic day, truly a pathway for America and all its folks, not only those who were physically present.
Just seeing the innocent, joyful faces of our new First Daughters tells us so much. They are so obviously part of a loving, caring family and carry with their very presence the promise of their parents - the promise to look after America with the same love and respect that they show Malia and Sasha. And the stunning First Lady, Michelle Obama, dazzling all with her choice of a yellow brocade outfit which made its own statement of hope and new horizons and glowing like a bright beam of sunshine on this cold winter's day.
And our new president, Barack Obama. The simplicity of his speech - brief, yet filled with strength and a message for all, breathtaking in its inclusiveness and specificity. Hail to the Chief indeed. It was gratifying to learn that I was not the only one moved to tears of relief and joy and hope as this magnificent day unfolded in our new year of 2009. All thanks to our new president, Barack Obama.