More Notes from the Inauguration of Barack Obama – Sunday
Written by jkapitz on January 19th, 2009More Notes from the Inauguration of Barack Obama – Sunday
Today I was one of a half million who witnessed the opening ceremonies for the inauguration of Barack Obama. I planted myself in front of a big screen about 2/3 of a mile from the Lincoln Memorial – closer to the Washington Monument – to listen and watch musical acts, readings by entertainers and speeches by Joe Biden and Barack Obama. My attempts to join up with friends from Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties using cell phone was an utter failure. I did meet up with Larry DuBois – my friend from grammer school days – and his wife Karen. We spent a few minutes together until they decided to get some food and never returned. Did I mention there were half a million people there? Newly met, close- by companions were from DC and Dallas. I was surprised to hear that the DC resident was working on Inauguration day.
The event was amazing. Hope you caught it on HBO. Garth Brooks was very strong with American Pie, Shout and We Shall Be Free. Higher Ground with Stevie, Usher and Shakira was old school meets cool equals very cool. Bruce rose to the moment with choir in support. Last time I saw the Boss, he was opening for John Kerry in Miami the night before the election in 2004. Barack was the real star, of course. 6th time I have heard him live – always inspires. Nowhere on the planet that I would have rather been. At 38 degrees it felt like a heat wave after shivering on Saturday.
Evening was spent at the California Democratic Gala at the Air and Space Museum. I met up with Belinda and Russell from Oak Park; Sherry, Tim, Vicky and their friends from Santa Barbara; Mary Kay, Kathy and Ingrid and spouses from Thousand Oaks and Santa Monica; and Larry and Karen again. Barbara Boxer, Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Capps were among the elected California leaders with us. Good music, food and drink. Couldn’t get a cab back to my room but hitched with a local. After some pub crawling and blogging I think I will sign off – 3AM – but who’s counting. Until next time.
Jay.
