Crowds gather for historic moment

Crowds gather for historic moment

Crowds flock to the Mall in the early morning hours of January 20. By around 9 a.m., the space between the Capitol and the Washington Monument is full of people from all over the country and all over the world. People mingle and strike up conversations with those standing around them.  Excitement and anticipation buzzes through the Mall. The crowd has gathered on the Mall to see Barack Obama take the oath of office.

Some people spread out blanks, newspapers, and sleeping bags on the ground and huddle together. Many people remain standing and some wander around seeking the best spot to watch the Inauguration on the Jumbotrons. 

Debbie Shetterly, 54, sits on a blue-checkered blanket. She wears tall white boots and a ski jacket to keep warm. She surveys the vast crowds of people that surround her. People around her come and go, but she sits patiently on her blanket waiting for the Inauguration to begin. Her husband Jimmy sits next to her and takes in the scene. They watch the Jumbotrons as they replay the “We are One” Concert from Sunday.

Shetterly came from Asheville, N.C., over 450 miles south of D.C., to see Obama be sworn in as the 44^th president. Shetterly said that watching this event on TV was not an option. She wanted to be part of it and to her this event “is truly remarkable.”

“You can’t experience this by sitting in front of the TV,” Shetterly said. Shetterly traveled to see the inauguration in person because it is historic and Obama impresses her.

It took Shetterly and her husband eight hours to get here, but Shetterly says “there’s nothing like been there live.” She came up from North Carolina with her co-worker and his family. Like many other out-of-towners, the Shetterlys are staying with friends for the long weekend. They arrived to the D.C. area on Saturday.

Although Shetterly has been to D.C. about four or five times, this trip is particularly noteworthy. This is the first Inauguration she has ever attended. “Barack is the most amazing person,” Shetterly said.

Shetterly believes that the United States has elected the person that will do the best job. “Finally, the United States was able to get past some of its past history and vote for the best guy instead of just who’s convenient,” said Shetterly.

Source:

Debbie Shetterly

dshett@alltell.net