Inauguration Night

By Christiana Dillard

When we arrived at the regional inaugural ball in Randallstown, Maryland, there were tables and tables of people of all ages in formal gowns and tuxedos.  We were seated at a table called Harvard University, although we were suppose to be at another table called Columbia University.  These tables were named after the two universities that Barack Obama attended.  Every table in the room was named after some significant location or place in the new President's life.

The program consisted of a warm welcome by the hostess, a prayer by a local minister to bless the food, and jazz music by a local band. After dinner, there was a saxophone tribute to President Obama by a woman from Indiana and an inspirational message by a city official.  The attendees were asked to sing all three verses of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." We ended with a champagne toast (apple cider for all the kids).

After the program, we danced the Electric Slide and Cupid Shuffle.  Many of the attendees even had the opportunity to take a picture with the President himself---as a cardboard cutout.  Although some of the Balls in Washington, D.C., were visited by President Obama, we had a special appearance by Michael Jackson.  Well, his name was Rico Michael Jackson and he danced and lipsynched to several Jackson hits.  He put on the white glove, added the red jacket and received the same kind of screams from the crowd as if he were he real Jackson.  I had the chance to ask him a few questions about his career after his performance.  He told me he had been impersonating Michael Jackson for 20 years. 

After a few more dances and dessert, my family and I headed back to Baltimore for a well deserved nights sleep.  What a wonderful day in history---Tuesday, January 20, 2009!!

Inauguration Day

By Christiana Dillard

We boarded the AMTRAC train on January 20, 2009-—Inauguration Day—with a huge crowd of people all heading for the same place.  Everyone was walking in the same direction as me and my family, but surprisingly, everything was pretty quiet.  There were students, parents with small kids, seniors, grandparents, and a few kids like me.  I wanted to do nothing more than to go to sleep once I boarded the train but decided it was a good opportunity to ask a few people why they were traveling to Washington, D.C., from Baltimore, Maryland, on this day.

My first interview was with Adam, age 8, from Baltimore. 

“I’m really happy to have Barack Obama be our next President,” he told me.

I walked a little further on the train and saw a cute little 4 year old named Eden from New York City.

“I can’t wait to see Obama be President…I am the only one in my pre-K class to come to see him,” he said.

My last train interview was with Nicole, age 11, from Pennsylvania.  “I think that 100 years from now, people will be very happy that Barack Obama was President." she said. "This is a very historic day.”  I was able to snap a picture of Nicole later that day since we returned on the same train back to Baltimore.

We began our journey toward the National Mall with the Capitol building in full view. A volunteer told us to walk right, then make a left on Constitution and walk about two plus miles to the Mall.  It was freezing cold. All along the way, vendors were selling all kinds of Obama gear: T-shirts, hats, official programs, badges, car fresheners, Obama action figures, and even Obama puppets! 

We walked over a small bridge and took pictures of people walking to the mall from every direction on a closed freeway.   The only cars on any of the streets we passed were parked cars with SWAT teams and police officers inside.

We decided to stop in an “Official Inauguration Store” to look around.  My mother said that based on the prices, it had to be an “official” store since there were T-shirts for $150!  We decided to just stick with the “Official Vendor Stores” since they were selling shirts for $5-$20!  But what my father found out from the “official store” was that we weren’t going to be able to get to the National Mall from where we were because Pennsylvania Avenue was completely blocked off and even some ticket holders were not able to get in.

After realizing that our dream of standing on the National Mall during the swearing in was over, we stopped to take a picture with a President Obama cardboard cutout.  The pictures were only $7 and they turned out not to look as cheesy as I thought they would!  We ended up packed inside the Marian Koshland Science Museum to watch the Inaugural activities with other people who couldn’t get across Pennsylvania Avenue.  I met two women there who caught the 4:15 a.m. Metro into the city (with tickets) and still didn’t make it to the Mall before the area was closed off because it was too full!

When Reverand Rick Warren gave the invocation, I found myself silently crying because his words were so inspirational.  Once Barack Obama was inaugurated, everyone in all of the rooms of the museum clapped and cheered.  They all quieted down to hear his Inaugural Address.

Once Obama’s speech was over, we gathered our coats, hats, gloves, earmuffs and our Marian Koshland Science Museum Inauguration key chains and headed to find food and vendors.  After grabbing a quick lunch at “New Course” restaurant, we journeyed over to see what all the “hubbub” was about near Union Station.  It turns out that a huge amount of vendors were selling even more Inaugural items.  My Mom bought Obama tote bags, hats, “First Family” T-shirts, Obama buttons, and even some Obama “bling”!

When we left the “Festival of Vendors,” there were even more people walking on the freeway so we thought they were probably headed towards the parade route.  However, this time, two ambulance trucks passed the walkers and later that day I wondered if they were for Senator Ted Kennedy who collapsed at the inaugural lunch that day.

Finally, after about two hours of wandering all over D.C., we arrived at the crowed entrance of Union Station to find ourselves packed like sardines into train station.  There were police at the front door top keep any more people from coming in.

They were yelling out that only AMTRAC, VRE and MARC train passengers could enter the building.  No Metro passengers could go inside because Metro service was stopped from Union Station.  Although the crowd was huge, everyone was very respectful.  But when my mother found out that we only had 25 minutes before our train left, she and some other passengers began screaming that they had a train to catch.  Fortunately, the officers heard us and we were able to squeeze through the crowd to catch our train.  I’m glad since it would have been a far walk from D.C. to Baltimore!

In all the confusion of the day, I lost my favorite black and white hat somewhere between the train and the train station so if anyone sees a black and white zebra print wool hat, it’s mine!

PHOTO: With an Obama cardboard cutout are (from left) Dorcas, Christiana, Teodora, and Teska Dillard. (Photo courtesy of Christiana Dillard)

I Witnessed History

On a frigid January morning in Washington, I stood on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Constitution Avenue to  watch history in the making – the inauguration of America’s 44th President and the first African American President.

I wasn’t alone. Nearly 2 million people also came to watch this historic moment. President-elect Barack Obama’s motorcade drove right past me toward the Capitol at 10:30 a.m. and the crowds went wild with excitement! For the first time ever, the National Mall, which is the long stretch of  land that lies between the Capitol Building and the Lincoln Memorial, was open to all who wanted to attend the swearing-in ceremony. It was filled with people as far as the eye could see.

The festivities began at 10 a.m. on the West Front of the Capitol Building. The United States Marine Band performed first, followed by the beautiful voices of the San Francisco Boys and Girls Choruses. Senator Dianne Feinstein welcomed the dignitaries and the enormous crowd. An invocation was given by Dr. Rick Warren, followed by Aretha Franklin who sang “God Bless America.” Vice- President-elect Joe Biden was sworn into office by the Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honorable John Paul Stevens. An original musical piece, which was written in honor of the day’s historic inauguration, was performed by violinist, Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo Yo Ma, pianist Gabriela Montero, and clarinetist Anthony McGill.

At exactly Noon, the Supreme Court Justice the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr. gave the oath of office to Obama. With wife, Michelle, by his side, Obama proudly took the oath of office.  President Obama used President Abraham Lincoln’s Inauguration Bible when he took the oath. At the moment Mr. Obama said the words “so help me God,” the crowd burst into an earth shattering cheer as huge canons discharged to celebrate the moment in a 21-gun salute!

Then President Obama gave his inaugural speech, which focused on rebuilding America’s economy amid the two wars that we are fighting in Iraq and in Afghanistan. He touched upon energy, health care, education, and a new era of peace.

As the crowd of 2 million began to disperse, the newly elected President and Vice President and many dignitaries were invited to a luncheon inside the Capitol Building. Then finally at 3:30 p.m., the 56th Inaugural Parade began and made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol Building to the White House.

I stood at the perfect spot along the parade route and watched as President Barak Obama and his family drove slowly in the Presidential Limousine. Long after the limo passed by where I was standing, Mr. and Mrs. Obama stepped out of the limo and walked part of the way to wave to the crowds that lined the road to the White House. When it got too cold for the President and the First Lady, they returned to the warmth of their limo.

They were followed by Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill.  Almost 15,000 people marched in the parade, including members of all six branches of the US military. I saw high school marching bands from Hawaii and Illinois (states where Mr. Obama lived) and many college marching bands from all over the country. There were also dozens of floats that participated in the parade. Later that evening, Mr. and Mrs. Obama attended 10 official Presidential Inaugural Galas.

This was my first opportunity to witness a presidential inauguration. As I stood in the cold listening to Mr. Obama’s speech, I realized that I am very proud to be an American. Years before, another proud American, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stood not far away from where I stood. On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, Dr. King gave a speech about having a dream. Today, a big part of his dream was fulfilled.

Junior Congressional Youth Leadership Conference

Kid Reporter Jacob Wiseneck attended a three-day conference called the Junior Congressional Youth Leadership Conference during the Inauguration. He summed up his very busy trip to Washington, D.C., in the blog entries below.

Day 1

Wow! Finally after all the waiting the JrPYIC has arrived and kid scholars from all across the country are flocking to Washington, D.C., to take part in the conference and witness the nation's 44th President take the Oath of office.

The Conference started on January 18^th with people from all across the country arriving throughout the day so we could get the “party” started.  The first night was full of excitement as the 3,000 scholars packed into the ballroom of the famous Hilton Washington for a full dinner and to hear an inspirational speech from the blind mountain climber Erik Weihenmayer. Erik is the first and youngest blind man to climb all the seven summits.

This morning we were all up at the early time of 5:30 a.m. for breakfast so that we would be at the University of Maryland at 8 a.m. to hear a speech from United States ex-Secutary of State, Collen Powell.

Powell talked about the importance of leadership on the road to success. After the motivational talk we broke up into our presidential groups for meetings in which we discussed the many responsibilities of the President of the United States. Then we came back to the hotel for a viewing of the inaugural opening ceremonies at the Lincoln Memorial. 

Day 2
Another exiting jammed packed day took place today here at the Junior Congressional Youth Leadership Conference (www.cylc.org/jrpyic) and the action does not seem to be anywhere near slowing down.
Today everyone was a little more energized after a longer night’s sleep to prepare us for the full day. After eating a light box breakfast, the group headed down to the Potomac River for a breakfast buffet river cruise.

After the journey down the icy river, the group headed to the University of Maryland where we would spend the rest of the day. We arrived on the campus for lunch, then headed to the field house where we heard a moving speech from former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore.
After Gore’s speech, everyone split into group meetings to talk about leadership qualities in past presidents.

After dinner that evening, we returned to the field house to watch a movie: “The Third Monday in October.” That was followed by a question and answer session with the cast members, which was moderated by President Clinton’s White House press secretary Dee Dee Myers.

Day 3

Wow! Today was such a fabulous day here at the Junior Congressional Youth Leadership Conference, Inauguration Day was the capstone of our trip and it couldn’t have been a more perfect day.

After a very early wake up call and breakfast, our group departed for the National Air and Space Museum where we had a hot chocolate reception and meet and greet event with a group of astronauts.

After exploring the museum, we filed out to the National Mall where we claimed our spot for the day’s ceremonies. Even though we did not have the best view of the capitol building, we were able to see the action on giant TV screens placed along the mall. It was a very emotional event for many people.

After the Inauguration we ate a late lunch at the Marriott Wardman Park hotel. We were able to watch the inaugural parade from the hotel, which is on the parade route.

Then it was time to get ready for the evening's festivities.  After quickly changing, we all boarded the buses to our inaugural gala. It was a great night full of dancing, food, and music.

I can not believe that the conference is almost over as I have enjoyed my time here so much and I do not want it to end.

Fun Things We Saw

--A group of about 10 people standing over a grate in the middle of 12th Street that was blasting heat up from the underground. Hair and scarves were blowing, but faces were shining, and feet were thrawing.

--More Obama memorabilia than anyone ever thought possible. Obama breath mints anyone?

--Four flags stuck in a collection of empty soda bottles on a cafeteria table in the history museum. A makeshift table decoration put together by super tired Obama supporters who kept toasting each other with their styrofoam drinkiing cups.

--Side streets from the National Mall entirely filled with people flowing like sluggish water from the National Mall to anyplace else that might have a restroom or food or warmth after the ceremonies were completed.

--Two million people getting along and being happy despite the lack of basic creature comforts. Everyone was friends on inauguration day. That's America.

PHOTO: Mixing politics, policy, and pink were members of the Pink Ladies, a group that advocates peace around the world. They are also against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as this member of the group explained to Kid Reporter Christiana Dillard during the inaurguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C., January 20, 2009. (Photo Courtesy Christiana Dillard)

An Emotional Moment

By Maddie Hartke-Weber

It was so crowded out there today! I was able to stand just behind the Capitol reflecting pool with a direct view of the Inaugural platform. It was really interesting to see so many important people there to watch this event. But this event wasn't just for important people. There were all sorts of people there as far as the eye could see, stretching all the way to the Lincoln Memorial, which is about two miles away from the Capitol.

Everyone was very excited to see the Obama family when they arrived and kept cheering when they could see them on the big Jumbotrons that were lined up along the National Mall.

Although it was crowded and really cold, it was exciting because it seemed very joyous and there was a lot of activity. There was chanting of "Obama, Obama" and "Yes We Can." Once Obama was sworn in as President, people who didn't even know each other were hugging and crying. It was a very emotional moment.

PHOTO:  KidReporter Maddie Hartke-Weber's point of view of the inauguration of President Barack Obama. (Photo courtesy of Maddie Hartke-Weber)

My Trip to D.C.

By Jimmy Pitenis

On Monday, the day before the inauguration, my mom and I went to the Mayor's Conference in D.C. We heard some great speeches from people like the new Senator from Alaska, Mark Begich, and former President Bill Clinton! Billionaire oilman T. Boone Pickens, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Arnold Schwarzenegger also spoke.

I got a chance to talk to T. Boone Pickens and ask him a question.

"Mr. Pickens, could you please explain why natural gas powered vehicles would be more cost effective than vegetable-powered vehicles, or even mejthane-based biofuels that use algae, for example?"
He answered, "They're both OK, as long as they're American-made biofuels. I'm with you, sure, but you can't get enough of it"

Monday's Volunteer Ball

Monday night we took the trains to the Waterfront to go to the Zanzibar to meet Jen Shaw. When we got there, our names were on the list, but the bouncer wouldn't let us in because I'm not 21. So mom called Jen Shaw and she came out and let us in. We left early because I had to get up REALLY early for the Inauguration the next morning.

We got off at Judiciary Square Metro station and walked with the huge crowds to a security check point on 3rd Street. That took 45 minutes to get through. Then we were stuck at the corner of Constitution Ave. and Pennsylvania Ave. The police wouldn't let the crowds cross the street to get to the National Mall. That was OK for us because we could see from that point. We stayed most of the day in the freezing cold. Our hand warmers don't work that well.

The parade was cool. President Obama's motorcade drove by us  nice and slow but he didn't get out of his car until after he passed by. By that time we were ready to go home, so we really didn't see any marching bands.

We did get a chance to talk to some of the people. We've never seen a crowd so charged and enthusiastic! Cheering and chanting, "O-BA-MA! O-BA-MA!"  There was an older African American woman standing next to us. Her name was BJ Mitchell and she lives in D.C. "I've waited my whole life for this," she said. "I wouldn't miss it for the world!" Her granddaughter Julia Mallory was standing next to her She was about 12 years old. "I'm having a great time here just watching history happening!" she said.

It didn't matter

By Quinn Jacobson

As the sun came up people came in crowds from all over the nation and possibly the world. I knew it would be very cold but I also knew the morale as we went on the train and to the National Mall and the inauguration was the highest I've ever seen and will probably ever see. The feeling in the air was something you feel once in a lifetime that most people thought would never come but oh it did!

As we stood in the Mall all the members on congress filed in and the music played in the backgroundl. Even though we were far away from the action, the echo from the capitol on the Jumbotron speakers made it seem as if we were actually close.

You didn't care if your feet hurt, all you wanted to hear was Obama says those words that would make him President of the United States. Of course by then I had heard his name cheered many times. As former presidents filed in to take their seats, you could tell that all the world had its eyes set on the Capito--you could feel it in the airl. And when Obama did finally put one hand on the Bible and raise the other to take his oath, we all feel silent. All eyes were on the President, all ears turned to his words.  It didn't matter to me that my feet hurt from the cold and that there was no wear to sit. It didn't matter to me that I was hungry and tired. I just felt incredibly lucky to bea witness to one of the most historic moments in history.

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Quinn Jacobson and Scholastic Kids Press Corps Editor Suzanne Freeman at the 2009 Inauguration on Tuesday, January 20.

Our Spot in History

As reported by the Scholastic Kids Press Corps

Some had tickets to stand near reflecting pools, monuments, and the capitol. Some even had seats. Most of us in the crowd of 2 million had a little piece of land no bigger than our two feet planted firmly side by side. That small area of personal space shifted as more people crammed onto the National Mall, but it never grew any bigger. In fact, it just kept on shrinking to the point that you couldn't lift your arms up to scratch your ear.

As we watched dignitaries take their seats, helicopters flew overhead. We had no cell service. No way to twitter, no way for the three Kid Reporters on the mall to text each other their positions.

The Jumbotron speakers caught every sound. Hillary Clinton, soon to be Secretary of State, walked out in a bright blue coat. Former President Bill Clinton was at her side in a black coat with a bright yellow scarf. We could hear the click of Hillary's heels echo in the halls of power.

The sun was shining, though there were a few wisps of clouds in the sky. Later, the sky will turn gray, and the temperatures will drop, but spirits will remain high.

As we stand there waiting for history to unfold, I realize that this is our spot, right here, on the frozen ground, surrounded by somber museums housing the ghosts of our ancestors. This spot, right here is the one we have worked for hours to claim. It is where we have finally landed after following the person in front of us who was following the person in front of her. And behind you thousands more follow, marching in your footsteps.

They all get their spot, like my spot, in history. It is a community gathering of complete strangers with a common interest more than 200 years old. This is where we will witness the dignity and honor of the peaceful transfer of power. This is America.

Observances of the Day

As reported by the Scholastic Kids Press Corps

Some came as early as 4 a.m. to grab a spot on the National Mall to watch President-elect Barack Obama become the nation's 44th President and its first African-American President. The crowd totaled about 2 million according to official estimates. They filled every train and bus in the surrounding Virginia and Maryland suburbs, creating a sea of cheering humanity, most waving small American flags.

One Kid Reporter came in by Metro from the New Carrolton Station, the first on the Metro system's Orange line. Signs on the highway said the station was closed, but there was still plenty of parking left. (Glad we ignored the signs!) Cars pulling into the lot were bumper to bumper though, so it was going to fill up fast.

It was a long walk from the car to the station, but that was about to look like a stroll in the park. Thousands were gathering outside the station and being herded into a line that went up some stairs and out into another parking lot. It snaked around to the end of parking lot and back to the station before anyone was allowed on the station platform to board the trains.

The air was frigid cold. People were selling chemical hand warmers to people in line. One official said 18,000 people came to that one station alone.

Scholastic spoke to one man in line who didn't care how long it would take to get D.C. He wanted to see history.

"This is an opportunity for America to live up to its promise to us and to the world," said 62-year-old Brad Thompson. "TAhe world is looking to America to stand up for the things that make us strong. We are looking to Barack Obama to provide that kind of leadership."

Spirits were high everywhere. People would spontaneously break into chants and shouts of "Obama! Obama!"

The closer you got to the National Mall, the more people you had to walk along with. The crowd grew and grew with every step. Entire streets were filled with people moving slowly but surely toward the Jumbotrons. These giant TVs were placed all along the National Mall so that people without tickets closer to the stage could also see and hear the ceremonies.

It was cold, it was crowded, it was AWESOME!

PHOTO: The lines started at the Metro Stations—18,000 people at the New Carrolton Station on the Orange LIne alone—and lead to a small spot on the National Mall for each of the 2 million people who attended the inauguration of the nation's 44th President. (Photo by Suzanne Freeman)