“I Witnessed History”

It was a long sabbatical from writing. And what better than writing about an experience such as “Witnessing the making of history” to get back to the world of literary elements. January twenty first two thousand and thirteen is marked in history as the day when the first African American president of the United States of America swore-in for his second and final term. And I was right there, one in 700,000 people standing at face of the capitol bearing an amenable witness to what is known as the most powerful and elaborate political ceremony in the country.  Barack Hussain Obama, a common man who rose to uncommon standards. Having a look at him right there as he was swearing-in as President for what is the most important political post in the world, did have my adrenaline rushing. To be able to capture him live in my camera even though with lenses almost a telescope’s, was quite a thrill to me.  Though I absolutely felt no sentiments as a loyalist or a patriot while I stood there, I couldn’t help but smile at the fact that I was sharing as important a day as this, with as important a person as him.

Battling the temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit, we started towards our destination for the day at around 7 in the morning. Switching between modes of transportations, walking through the sea of people and following the markings as per color coding for spots, we enjoyed the cheerful air around. There were lots of press and media folks, people selling souvenir by side of the roads, security personnel including snipers on top of roofs, people from every race, religion, nationality and orientation. It reminded me of beginning of the movie Vantage Point which is one of my first favorite Hollywood flicks. However, I sincerely hoped the day didn't proceed being one from the movie.

Anyways, after two upgrades, our spot was absolutely perfect for viewing the formal proceedings. The North-stands at the West side of Capitol provided a brilliant view to the ceremonies taking place up in the lanai.  And right when we were rejoicing our luck and settling there, we heard the cheer for the President’s car. Barack Obama had arrived. Not having the advantage of height, my cousin and I were literally on our toes to catch just a single glimpse of him only to realize that it was a futile effort. We could see the action on large screens put up in the field but what was the fun in that. However, we waited patiently as the dignitaries such as Jimmy Cartor, The Clintons, The Bidens took their positions on the stage. And then was the much awaited moment… first came the daughters Malia and Sasha, then Michelle Obama and we were still following them on the screen hoping to not have to fix our eyes there when Obama reached the stage. We could see him up there in flesh and blood, moving, greeting and finally waving at the crowd. He was a rockstar. The crowd went berserk out of ecstasy and so did we.

There were a few speeches that preceded oath and the speech by the President. I tuned my patience level to the max and quietly waited for the President to approach the pedestal. Finally, after the oath-taking as he spoke, there was pin-drop silence around. Everybody in and around the mall was transfixed. He spoke about national unity, equanimity in rights, immigration laws, improvement in sectors such as education, healthcare etc. It might not have made a lot of sense to everybody present there but they all listened and they listened hard enough to even shush a wailing child. The only voice to be heard was from the man of the day. And as he completed his talk, it was time for him to go quiet and the crowd to make noise. There was a loud applaud and uproar in the masses. People clapped and cheered. It totally showed how the crowd was pleased to have their President talk to them and make sense while doing so.

The stage was then taken over for some musical performances by the likes of Beyonce, James Taylor, Kelly Clarkson, etc. but Obama still remained the rockstar for the day.

And as the function concluded, we headed home with a sense of delight and excitement of having witnessed the inauguration ceremony of President of the most influential country in the world. It indeed is, a big deal!