Category Archives: inauguration

1.20.09 :: dc welcomes president barack obama.

proud local artists inspired by obama.

after my exciting morning jaunt (inauguration part I HERE) there was nothing that could keep me from the streets of DC today! bearing in mind the frigid temperatures, we purposely set out late – walking west from chinatown along F ST. the street vendors were out in full force like i’ve never seen – since the streets all around the mall were completely closed to traffic (blocked sporadically by parked metro buses!) they were filled with vendors peddling every type of souvenir imaginable! buttons, boas, hats, puppets, posters, calendars, blankets, and more were auctioned to the thousands passerbys. cutting north to avoid the parade route (sectioned off by heavy duty fences + concrete barricades) we passed the white house and st john’s episcopal church where the obama family attended service this morning. since i knew the mall was closed east of 14th st (filled to capacity!) we pressed on to the lincoln memorial and walked along the mall toward the washington monument. massive jumbotrons displayed the arrival of all the dignitaries of the day and music blasted from the speakers. we positioned ourselves in front of one of the big screens just west of the monument and awaited the start of the ceremony. my goal was not to be as close as possible to the action, but rather just be part of the moment. i loved observing the event amidst a ridiculous mess of enthusiastic people – it was perfect!

the weather was freezing. the crowd was massive. the excitement was palpable. and when barack obama appeared on screen people went wild. i stood shoulder to shoulder with my fellow americans, watching as america inaugurated our 44th president. the chanting of “O-BA-MA” and the clicking of thousands of cameras ceased as he took the stage. collectively, we listened to president obama’s inspiring words – an 18 minute inaugural speech that moved people to tears. and brought about waves of cheering and clapping from an emotional audience.

like so many people, i am so grateful that i was able to be a part of this day. i am prouder than ever to be an american and i am hopeful + optimistic about the future.

thank you president obama, and welcome to dc!

a great day for america and for the world.

crazy obama gear for sale!

vendors out in full force!

obama hand puppets!

steadily streaming along the mall.

WWII memorial.

very happy people!

the inaugural ceremony shown on one of the 20+ jumbotrons positioned along the mall.

GObama!

dc buzzes with pre-dawn crowds.

hundreds of people wait to enter the mall at 3rd + D NW, 6:45am.

i headed out of my apartment this morning to get a look at the crowds and a feel for the city before dawm and i was amazed at the number of people already out! it was freezing (15 degrees!) and military police + hummers lined the barricaded streets, but everyone was in such good spirits – singing, dancing, and chatting as they streamed towards the mall. i continue to be amazed by how polite and considerate everyone is despite the crowds – there is no chaos, just excitement. there were vendors selling tshirts, buttons, and brochures, good samaritans giving out free hot coffee, and people linked arm-in-arm with friends + family decked out in obama gear. i found myself next to local musician nechesa morgan who, hailing from dc but now lives in new york, was playing her obama inauguration song – so awesome! i plan on heading back out in a few hours – one of the benefits of living so close to the capitol, even with the crowds i’m just a short walk from the action!

enjoy – and happy inauguration!

today’s washington post!


hummers + barricades along 3rd street.


serious police presence.


free hot coffee!


musician nechesa morgan.