Where Else But In America!

I had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. last week to see the preparations made for the inaugural celebration. It was my first time to wander in D.C. prior to an inauguration. To me it was as exciting as being at the Inauguration itself without dealing with the crowds, the cold, and the lines.  I was so proud of being a citizen of the United States.

My oldest daughter and I drove down last friday. The cold, blustery weather made tourists and locals hurry along the sidewalks. The atmosphere was so festive we had to park and snap a few photos. It was so cold my camera didn't want to work! Up and down Pennsylvania avenue, the parade route, were the flags of our great nation and  the District of Columbia. Many of the buildings were festooned with flags & bunting in  red, white and blue. The parade bleachers were waiting for the throngs who would hope to catch a glimpse of our new President and the First Lady. The special presidential parade viewing box made us wonder what it would sound and look like from there.

The Capitol, site of the swearing in, was temporarily wrapped with seating for the dignitaries and special guests who would see history made before their eyes . Older flags representing the time when the Union had less than 50 states hung from the Capitol. Signs welcoming the President hung from buildings near the Capitol. Interspersed were signs saying "Yes We Can" and those calling for voting rights for the District in Congress. The Capitol parking was filled with news satellite equipment for the world to share the day with us.

We spotted Secret Service vehicles parked at street corners. Police cars dotted the area like snowflakes. It was a heady moment to see a new Presidency about to begin.

So yesterday I was happy from the comfort of home to watch it all. From the prayer service at St. John's to the Official Inaugural Balls I sat mesmerized. I flipped channels when a commercial started so I could continue soaking it all in. I am so proud to be an American. I am so proud and hopeful for our country. I am energized to consider how I can do something for my country. As a gal who lived in Memphis when Martin Luther King was killed, I am so proud to see how far as a nation we have come. Where else but in America could all of this be possible. So today I am hopeful for our economy and for America's future.