Today was awesome. A bunch of us had an early start and left our hotel around 7:30 A.M. to get over to the Lincoln Memorial for the “We are One” concert. For those of you who don’t know, the concert was free and open to the public, and called for all Americans to unite. I was actually able to acquire media credentials for the event and was up close, right by the stage. I made friends with a few camera crews from CNN, ABC and the St. Petersburg Times. Once we finally got in the media section, time seemed to be going by relatively quickly and I didn’t need to activate my hand warmers for quite a while. However, by about 11:30 I found myself hoping that the concert would start early.
We were however, able to see the pre-show of the concert as several guests came onto the stage to rehearse their lines and performances. Once the concert began, the area stretching from the World War II Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial (which was filled), seemed to be quiet as we all waited for the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect to come out with their families. I had never seen Barack Obama in person, even from a distance, and found his presence to be jaw dropping. When the President-Elect spoke to the audience near the end of the concert, I found myself tearing up and impressed at his ability to constantly relay his message by stressing the importance of our involvement in his new role.
The concert itself was amazing. I’ve never been at one with such a line-up. Though country music isn’t my primary genre, I’d have to say Garth Brooks was my favorite. He got everyone moving (including my frozen self) and even walked over to wave to the Obama family. I also really enjoyed U2 and the use of many choirs to enforce artists such as Bruce Springsteen. Tom Hanks came out and read the “Lincoln Portrait.” I’ve heard it read several times before, but hearing it at the foot of Lincoln’s memorial was so inspirational. It touched me in such a way that I was barely able to hold it together.
I feel like I haven’t quite absorbed the concert yet and am sure I’m missing out several memorable details…so let me skip ahead. All of the Bona’s students met up for dinner tonight at the restaurant in the hotel, which has a stunning view of D.C. Tomorrow I am going to sleep in (soooooo excited) and then pick up my Inauguration tickets. Today was so moving that I can’t even imagine what Tuesday will be like.
On that note, it’s time to relax and think more about today. Coming from someone who lived in D.C. for a semester, I really can’t believe I’m here. Looking back at everyone by the reflecting pool today left me thinking “wow,” and it’s only begun. When everyone says we’re witnessing history, I feel like it has become an understatement. There is no way to describe what this experience truly has been like.
