“The change we need:” As the campaign slogan of President Barack Obama, the time has come, as he has moved to the White House. Obama was sworn into office just after noon on Inauguration Day Jan. 20 in front of two million people in Washington, D.C. In this large crowd, a few Hoover students witnessed this historical event for America.
Senior Kelly Price, who has family in Maryland, was able to attend with her father and boyfriend and thought that the overall mood of the day was “very joyful— like a breath of fresh air is going to lead our country.”
The collaboration of the people from different backgrounds in one location for a single purpose was Price’s most memorable part.
“Race was not a problem. Black, white, Asian[s] and Latinos were all together in peace,” Price said.
Senior Jeff Schumacher received tickets from Congressman John Boccieri because he worked on his campaign. Schumacher said he is familiar with Washington D.C. as he was a Congressional Page last year. He has attended other political events like the State of the Union Address and the Pope’s visit at the National Stadium. He said this was an entirely different experience due to the size of the event.
“Well I think just being there was exciting,” Schumacher said. “One of the most memorable parts was being with so many people. When Obama came on the JumboTron, people were crying and clapping and hugging. It was pretty neat to be there.”
Although it was an unique experience, it was a tiring day as well. Sophomore Alliana Hardgrove, who attended with People to People, stood for the entirety of the event.
“I was about a quarter to half a mile from where it took place and there was about just enough room to breathe,” she said. “We got all achy because we stood there for six hours. It was a really good experience though.”
Hardgrove explained that the crowd cheered and waved their flags when Obama appeared, however there was a different response when former President Bush appeared on the JumboTron.
“When Bush came out, a lot of people started to boo him and I felt like it was very disrespectful,” she said. “He ran our country for eight years and although he made some bad decisions, I felt that people should have respected him more.”
Schumacher noted the booing as well, but felt like people were more concerned about the swearing in of Obama.
“I think everyone was pretty excited to see Obama take office,” Schumacher said. “At one point Bush was being booed when he was on TV, but I think more people came to see Obama than see Bush leave. This is a time for Americans to unite for a new leader, and I think people realized that.”
Although all three students were located in different areas of Washington, D.C. and surrounded by two million people, they all felt the same sense of unity.
Price said she felt it shows the true meaning of acceptance in America.
“This event changed our country,” she said. “It was very political, but I think it will change society more. It shows that our country does accept people of every color and race. America does have a possibility to come together again.”
Although Price was not eligible to vote in the election because she did not meet the age requirement, she said that this event will bring America together.
“I was not old enough to vote, and I really didn’t follow the election,” Price said. “I’m not a Democrat, and I believe more in the Republican side of politics. The inauguration was more than just swearing in a new president. It was bringing together two races, white and black, who have always had a struggle.”
Schumacher has high hopes for the 44th president as he begins his term.
“I think Barack Obama will be a great President, but I think this whole election and campaign season has broken down so many barriers,” he said. “It was definitely an optimistic atmosphere and brought hope for the future in America.”n