What It Was Really Like To Witness The Inauguration Of Our 45th President
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

What It Was Really Like To Witness The Inauguration Of Our 45th President

It was an experience I will never forget, but part of the experience I wish I could forget.

21
What It Was Really Like To Witness The Inauguration Of Our 45th President
cloudfront.net

It was a cold rainy morning to be standing out in the National Mall of Washington D.C. for five hours. I had this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the inauguration of a president take place. It didn't matter who was the one being inaugurated because all I wanted was to witness a historical event take place. I wanted to take in the experience. Have a story to share with my kids one day. And boy, was it an experience.

It was 6:45 a.m. when we arrived at the silver gate to enter the National Mall (between the Capitol building and the Washington Monument). It was crowded and I was anxious. I had mixed feelings going into the event, but the beautiful sunrise over Capitol Hill brought me at ease. A friend of mine was nervous for what could take place at such an event. With the entire world, all people good and bad having their eyes on D.C. for the day definitely didn't slip my mind. It was scary, but walking through security to enter the National Mall helped my friend feel better. We felt safe, and gratefully we were.

The next couple hours of waiting were filled with small talk, cold feet, and some rainy clouds. At points I just wanted to leave because I just didn't think I could bare the freezing cold anymore. Standing in the same place for several hours didn't necessarily help keep the blood flowing, but my friends and I managed. When it finally was time for the inauguration to start I was filled with nothing but nerves and feelings of "wow, this is really happening." Prior to the inauguration, small talk was made with strangers around my group of friends and I. I was happy to be surrounded with such nice people for the time being. Though, as the ceremony began my thoughts quickly began to change. The ones I shared small talk with were the ones that brought me a sense of frustration and sadness. As people appeared on the screen I heard nothing but shouts, screams, and disrespect. I heard bullies.

As the ceremony went on, I anxiously waited to see President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama make their last steps with the titles they held so dearly for the past eight years. When they took the big screen though, I heard nothing but cursing and yelling from the ones that were surrounding me. I knew that coming to an event like this would certainly bring a lot of upheave, but to be there in that moment is so much different than seeing it on the TV, or hearing it on the radio. It hit me more; I immediately felt a pile of emotions rush through me. I felt uncomfortable, frustrated, and down right sad. Parents were yelling at the top of their lungs in front of their own children, and they did it with no shame in their bones. Parents are supposed to be role models for their children, and yet I witnessed so much disrespect and immaturity on their end.

I am grateful to have gone to such a historical event, but as soon as President Trump completed his first speech as president, I wanted nothing but to leave. This experience taught me to be the role model for the stranger and to always be kind to someone (even if you really don't want to). This was a tough election, and it brought many emotions to the table from people all over. Let us remember to always have hope, respect, and love towards all because many people may not witness in their own lives. Be the role model.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

39680
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

24254
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

950233
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

129654
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments