Clyde and Jessup were in the paper again! Here is the article. [I borrowed these pictures from Jessup...:) ]
Inauguration Day: Sea of people, flood tide of emotionBy Andrea Cavallier -- Staff WriterPosted: 01/20/09 - 11:13:14 pm CST
(Editor’s Note: The Couier-Tribune staff writer Andrea Cavallier attended Inaguration Day activities in Washington. What follows are her observations, plus accounts of conversations with some Randolph County residents who attended.)
The exhilaration of one of the most historical inaugurations ever began for some in the comfort of their warm homes and for others on the icy cold grounds in front of the Capitol.As the 44th and first-ever African-American President, Barack Obama, was sworn into office on Tuesday, an incredible hush fell over the crowd, followed by a deafening roar of cheers. As far down the National Mall as one could see, tiny little American flags were being waved feverishly in the air.The event began for some at Sunday’s star-studded concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Not planning to attend, I was spending time with family when I got a last minute chance to brave the cold and crowds to see and hear big names like Bono, Samuel L. Jackson, Beyonce, and of course .. the president-elect.The grounds around the concert were packed, but as I found myself close to the front, I began to notice the excitement in the people around me. They were all dancing and singing along with the music. It was like one big party and everybody was there for one reason, to welcome Barack Obama to Washington, D.C.
The actual day of the inauguration didn’t quite start out the same way. While some knew to jump on the first train at 4 a.m., others slept in and had to make their way by later trains, packed together like sardines. Right away, we knew it was going to be a long day. As a million of us gathered together on the National Mall, the struggle of getting there seemed to disappear. We knew that we were there for the same reason.While most of the crowd seemed to be from out of town, a few D.C. locals managed to stick around for the event. A young couple who were renting their first apartment just 19 blocks away, trekked down the mall and even handed out extra hand warmers to those around them, myself included. Another area couple, colleagues and avid Redskins fans, had danced their way through James Taylor and Bono songs at the earlier concert.
Several Randolph County residents managed to make their way to the District for Inauguration Day as well. Clyde Ward and Jonathan Jessup, both history teachers at Southwestern Randolph Middle School, came to view history in the making and ended up witnessing something almost spiritual.“I had never been in a crowd of that magnitude,” Ward said. “I really didn’t expect for that many people to be there.” The two left their hotel by 3:30 a.m. and though they arrived at their eventual spot around 7 a.m., they were still about halfway between the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
“I just think the whole tone and attitude of the inauguration was very jubilant and celebratory .. like a big party,” Ward said. “Everybody was very friendly towards each other. And, once the actual ceremony started, the tone changed and was more serious. It was like people were acknowledging that they were witnessing an important event. It felt so spiritual to me.”By the time the sun had cast a bright glow over the mall, most grassy areas, along with the roofs of port-o-johns, were now covered with a mass amount of people, all laughing, drinking coffee and sharing their stories with each other.Ward commented that there were people of all ages and all races there and how great it was because they were all there for the same reason .. Obama.“When he took the oath on that Bible, I had never seen such emotion in people’s reactions like I did then.”Jonathan Jessup had a similar reaction.“There were so many different types of people there, all friendly, and all wanted to know where you were from and your personal story. We talked to so many people and were instantly like a family.”Jessup, who was there only for historical reasons, said, “even though my candidate was not elected, I still wanted to go and once I saw the outpouring of the crowd, I knew that America had chosen the right candidate for our country and his plan to unite Americans was the right message.” As the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Obama family were introduced, cheers rang out throughout the crowd.“America has already adopted that entire family,” Jessup said.Many didn’t seem to mind the cold. Bundled up in several layers, many commented on the cold wind chill chapping their face and lips, but most were thankful for the lack of rain. Some were lucky enough to obtain hand and feet warmers which, when placed in a glove or shoe, will keep hands and feet warm for several hours.“We were on our feet for hours in ridiculously cold weather, but it was worth it,” Ward said. “And what was so great is that no one was complaining! It was just fitting that it was such a bitter cold day, that the crowds were harsh, that it was a struggle to get there ... because it just meant so much more to be there.”Kim Schauble, also from Asheboro, said she had a very positive experience at the inauguration.From Sunday at the concert to Tuesday at the ceremony, Schauble, along with others, experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “The concert was organized and amazing and even though the swearing-in ceremony was crowded and cold, the people were friendly and President Obama’s speech really made an impact.”Leaving the event was an adventure in itself. When approximately a million people try to leave at the same time, crowd control is bound to be a hectic. While security tried to herd everyone in one direction, fences were still knocked down by the crowds and people poured through the District from every direction.Though people found it frustrating to leave the city we were once so eager to be in, a smile was still very noticeable on each face. And, the proud chanting of the new President’s name continued on all the way to the edge of the District.
Clyde got there around 9:15 and waited the remaining time with me. He even brought me a chick-fil-a biscuit and hot chocolate. How sweet!
I must say yes! Look @ the loot! We got all of these shoes for less than the full price of the boots, which are for me! The Keen sandals were brand new!! We got the pair Erin is wearing for less than $2 and the teal ones were less than $5. The other sandals were $8. Clyde also bought a pair of pants and a computer case, which is is that price of less than the pair of boots full price.I love these garage sales!!
Time seems to just fly bye. I don't seem to notice it until one of my Wardlings has a birthday. Twelve years ago, an amazing blessing came with the birth of Erin. I remember thinking right as she was born and we were told that we had a girl, that "that's what I really wanted." She was beautiful! Still is for that matter. Clyde had suggested the name of Erin and it just seemed right. He also suggested her middle name...Bean. That one took some convincing, as I wanted Lindsay. (I think it was because Nirvana's Kurt Cobain's new daughter's name was Frances Bean and Clyde is a HUGE Nirvana fan.) So, after 31 hours of labor, out came our Erin, wide eyed. Her big brown eyes looked up at us, the instant her head was delivered. This should've been a clue as to her curiosity. We are blessed to have Erin in our lives. We love you Erin Bean. Happy 12th birthday!
