Homework Club Family Attends the 2009 Inauguration

We started this journey way back one summer day when we stood in the warm Park City sun for a few hours waiting for a visit from a little known Senator from Illinois. We were curious about Senator Obama and felt that it was important to take some time out of a busy day to participate in an informal rally held a the Park City Visitor Center. We also felt that it could be an educational opportunity for our son Andrew, who was 8 at the time. Andrew thought he was on his way to the swimming pool for the day before we made a change in plans.
We had prepared him for the occasion, doing our best to explain who he was about to see and why the Senator was in Park City. We thought we had our basics covered but when he was asked by a reporter from our local paper why he was there his answer was simply " I don't know, my parents made me come"! What an opportunity it was though to share this moment with a small crowd of 1000. The impression was made though and it was lasting. We just did not know how significant it would become.
Close to a year later, a Presidential campaign in full swing, our son not only knew who Barack Obama was but he proudly wore his button on his backpack and watched each debate faithfully with us. This campaign was remarkable, so much so the children in our Homework Club followed it closely and had very strong opinions - for both sides. It was a beautiful time. So, it is only fitting that we made our journey complete by attending our first Presidential Inauguration. With the help of Senator Bennett, a generous family who hosted us in Alexandria, and luck at scoring some affordable airline tickets we travelled to D.C. for five days and celebrated with the rest of the country witnessing history.
The most significant impression we came home with is how much optimism, enthusiasm and hope we felt during our time in D.C. The crowds were overwhelming. We were surrounded by the entire population of Utah in just a few square miles. The unofficial count was 1.8 million on the Mall, several hundred thousand lined up for the parade, and another hundred thousand in hotel rooms and other public venues watching the Inauguration on television. Yet, there was a sense of cooperation and tolerance in spite of the chaos. To my knowledge, there were no arrests or serious protests. It was another beautiful experience that I hope others were able to feel and one that I hope lasts and lasts.What an honor it was to be present and witness it first hand. This was an experience we will never forget it.