My President, Your President of These United States

Aaron Auna's Account of January 20, 2009:

(5am)It is five o'clock in the morning... My television is on... the reporter is saying that people are literally swarming the streets of Washington D.C., eager to find a spot along the long national mall corridor. "Oh boy, I better hurry up and get down to the mall."

(5:10am-5:45am)I take a shower, dress in a nice suit, with three layers of clothing, offer my morning prayer, and I am out the door, on my way to find my place in history. It seems like everyone else is thinking like me...

(5:55am)Oops! I need to eat breakfast. I order a turkey sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on wheat, with a orange juice ($7.80 total) from a local store...I gobble down the food in less than 5 minutes...

(6am approximate) I make my way to the train...The train is filled with laughter, political talk, and pure excitement. I notice that one of the passengers is wearing a University of Hawaii baseball cap. I approach the man, "Are you from Hawaii?" He said, "Yes, but we live in New York now...but my family is from the Big Island." "Hey, I am from the Big Island," I replied. I learned that we have some common friends back in the islands. It is a small world after all!

(6:15am approximately) I finally arrive at my metro stop - Judiciary Square. The streets are swamped with police and bystanders. My inauguration ticket allows me to enter a gate reserved for sliver ticket holders...but the police direct us to walk along the 395 South underpass, which would be another 2 miles of walking or so to my final destination (I hope). I don't take that journey alone.. Literally thousands and thousands are walking the same route.

(Picture of my fellow travelers)

(6:45am approximately) I am finally near the silver gate entrance. I talk with some people from New York, West Virginia, and Connecticut. The fellows from Connecticut are teachers by profession- one is a math teacher, the other a physical education teacher. We had some discussions on the status of education in America and what they thought about the "No Child Left Behind" law.

(View of the Capitol, while waiting near the silver gate)

(8:00am approximately) We enter through the silver gate. I manage to get a good spot for the viewing of the swearing in ceremony.

(10:45am approximately) I find a better viewing location... some barricades are no longer up and the Capitol Police is letting people have a closer view. The crowds are fairly large.

(11:00am approximately) dignitaries from various countries, members of the House of Representatives, members of the Supreme Court, the Inaugural committee are seated.
(11:10am approximately) Members of the Senate are seated

(11:25am approximately) Former Presidents Carter, Bush, and Clinton are seated

(11:30am approximately) President Bush and Vice President Chenney are seated

(11:35am approximately) Vice President Elect Biden is seated

(11:37am approximately) President Elect Obama is seated

(11:53am approximately) Vice President Elect Biden is administered the Oath

(12:00pm approximately) President Elect Obama is administered the Oath and gives his speech. The excitement is high! I feel privileged to witness this historical event. About 150 yards away from the pulpit. (Can you see the new president?)

(2:30pm approximately) See Former President Jimmy Carter exiting the Capitol, walking through the crowds to his motorcade.

(3:10pm approximately) See President Obama in his new limo, during the inaugural parade!

It was a historic occasion!!