By now you’ve seen many images of the second inauguration of
President Barack Obama in many forms. Television, videos, photographs, magazine
and newspaper accounts all neatly packaged and nicely presented. Ready for
primetime. The promotion of democracy at it’s very best.
What you don’t see is the journey of the people whose flag
waving images fill the National Mall and presidential parade route. Over one
million individuals traveled to the nation’s capital for an outdoor event in
January that lasted just about six hours.
What you don’t see are those people walking for miles along
with hundreds of thousands of others to witness history. There is no other way
to get to the Mall other than walk. Many of those taking that journey, were in
wheelchairs being pushed along by friends or family members, some hobbling
along on crutches and canes, some whose breathing is aided by oxygen tanks.
What you don’t see is the hospitality of the people of the
Washington D.C. who host the festivities every four years. Shop owners who
allow people come in to use restrooms, to get out of the cold and/or to sit for
a minute. Scores of volunteers who are up as early as 5:00 in the morning in frigid
weather acting as cheerleaders congratulating the people as they (finally)
reach the Mall. The hundreds of vendors
from all over the country selling their souvenirs. The museums that remained
open so people can stop by and take a tour.
What you don’t see is the heavy security. The snipers atop
buildings, the police and their dogs, the military presence. All there to make
sure there are no problems. So much order amid so many people is amazing. There
has never been an incident.
What you don’t see is the effect of the realization that the
on the very same ground you are walking upon stood soldiers fighting the
Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is where Martin Luther King gave his “I Have a
Dream” speech. One can overhear parents telling the stories to the youngsters.
People came to Washington D.C. from all over the world to be
a part of the historic event. Old, young, black, white, brown and tan. The
people who did not wait for a formal invitation because they knew none was
needed.
What you did not see was everyday people doing an
extraordinary thing. Why, because we
know we may never see this day again so we went to Washington (and took the
kids) to be able to tell the story to future generations.
