Well...I can mark it in my memory for a lifetime. Today I was a witness to one of the most significant historical moments in our nation's history, the inauguration of America's first black president.
In due time, I'll be able to post video from my journey thus far. Today was equal parts ecstasy and agony...cold simply fails to convey the ferocity of the wind and windchill...the crowds were exhilerating at times, antagonized at others, and at some moments downright scary. Pushing and shoving from all directions...folks being trampled and losing their breath, only then to have their seemingly lifeless bodies carried or crowd-surfed to nearby medical personnel...Amtrak pulling a boner and closing Union Station for a lengthy period of time, leaving thousands (including myself) in the cold for much longer than we anticipated.
But the energy...the energy...I've never experienced anything like it in my life. The crowd reacted at times like it was watching a silent movie...hissing at a chair-bound Dick Cheney...booing George W. and H.W. Bushes as their visages popped up on the projection screens...letting out audible sighs of relief once each oath (both Obama and Biden) was complete. It was a scene, man.
Vids and pics to follow on Thursday once I get settled back to Birmingham. Planning at this point to be on Wake Up Alabama (CBS 42, 5-7 a.m.) on Friday morning with some video clips. Until then...good evening from Baltimore and God bless.
In due time, I'll be able to post video from my journey thus far. Today was equal parts ecstasy and agony...cold simply fails to convey the ferocity of the wind and windchill...the crowds were exhilerating at times, antagonized at others, and at some moments downright scary. Pushing and shoving from all directions...folks being trampled and losing their breath, only then to have their seemingly lifeless bodies carried or crowd-surfed to nearby medical personnel...Amtrak pulling a boner and closing Union Station for a lengthy period of time, leaving thousands (including myself) in the cold for much longer than we anticipated.
But the energy...the energy...I've never experienced anything like it in my life. The crowd reacted at times like it was watching a silent movie...hissing at a chair-bound Dick Cheney...booing George W. and H.W. Bushes as their visages popped up on the projection screens...letting out audible sighs of relief once each oath (both Obama and Biden) was complete. It was a scene, man.
Vids and pics to follow on Thursday once I get settled back to Birmingham. Planning at this point to be on Wake Up Alabama (CBS 42, 5-7 a.m.) on Friday morning with some video clips. Until then...good evening from Baltimore and God bless.
