My group arrived at the subway station at 4 a.m. We had purple inauguration tickets - which meant we would be standing on the lawn of Capitol Hill. The streets were dark, but the crowds were already headed downtown. The majority of the streets downtown were closed to traffic and lines designated according to ticket color soon began snaking around the tall buildings.
The winds were bitter cold with temperatures dropping into the 20s. Scarves, hats, gloves and layers of clothing obscured the identity of those in the crowd and the fact that Starbucks was open 24 hours for the event was evident in gloved hands.
The purple ticket holders found themselves a few blocks from the Capitol with a line stretching four or five city blocks. A calm line turned into confusion as late comers gathered in the empty street instead of joining the current line. Those who had waited in line for two hours suspected these new arrivals were attempting to jump ahead.
Chaos broke out as ticket holders began to realize the police seemed either unable or not overly concerned with monitoring the lines. Heated words were exchanged among the majority of those standing in line and claustrophobia began as the crowds closed in closer and closer.
It was impossible to see one’s legs because of the closeness of complete strangers. Several people in the proximity fainted, but the ambulances were not able to get to them. Instead, ticket holders ushered the sick through the crowd to safety.
Rumors began spreading that no open gate waited at the end of the long line. After having waited more than five hours, my group decided to find another route and managed to force our way out and to the edges of the Capitol grounds.
A purple ticket holder entrance was located and within about 20 minutes we were through security and on the Capitol grounds. With about 10 minutes to spare, we began running to get as close as possible.
Excitement filled the air and elbows met with rib bones as each tried to get a better view. From our location, the JumboTron was not easy to view so our perception of the historic event depended more on our ears than on sight.
Cheers erupted as the ceremony began and the past presidents were ushered out. An introduction of past President George W. Bush resulted in boos from the audience and a quick rendition of “na-na-na-nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye.”
The attitude of the crowd changed as Barack Obama took the stage. A chant of “Obama” filled the air and several thanked God when their new president took the oath of office with the same Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln.
Applause swelled through the streets of D.C. as Obama began his inaugural address. A tense beginning to the day became unimportant as new promises were issued from the Capitol steps. Fists and cameras were raised and American flags were flown in the crowd as Obama stated, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear.”
Obama’s inauguration visitors were excited to welcome their new president to his office, a change they hope to see during a rather dismal time.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Brianna McClane, a Baylor University student who interned at the Telegram, was in Washington for the inauguration and sent this report.
