"Good Morning!
I have had so many people ask about my inauguration experience that I thought I would send it out as another DC update. I only wish I had the words to describe my experience yesterday. I know it would be hard for people to believe, but for the first time in my life, I was left speechless.
For those who don't know, I signed up to volunteer for the inauguration. I wasn't sure the assignment I would get, and shortly after Christmas I was informed that I was escorting Anthony McGill. I said the same thing you all are saying right now...."who?" So I quickly "Googled" him and found out that he was a famous clarinetist and he would be performing with Yo-Yo Ma, Izhak Perlman and Gabriela Montero in a composition written by John Williams (you know, "Star Wars" theme, "Jaws" theme song). I was so excited! Being the "theater" geek that I am, I was all about this assignment. So I participated in meetings, and walk thrus to prepare for the big day.
Knowing that the bridges would be closing as of 4:00 a.m on the 20th, and considering I live across the Potomac, I had to make alternative arrangements for housing for Monday night. Lucky for me, on of the attorneys I work with lives on Capitol Hill, and she offered her basement "apartment" to me for the night. She lives about 4 blocks from Capitol Hill, and would be the best option. So I drove into DC on Monday night, and stayed at Dawn's house that night. Sleeping was difficult, because I felt like a young kid waiting for Christmas morning. I kept waking up every couple of hours. Finally I got up at 5:30 and was walking to the check in office at 6:30. I couldn't believe the number of people who were out and about at 6:30 that morning. There were hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people walking the streets. All were happy and friendly. No one pushed or shoved their way around. Not like DC at all!
I checked in by 7:00 and got my updates on my assignment (which included a room change), and then headed to the Capitol to take my place and wait for the performers to arrive. I took some time to head out to the West Terrace of the Capitol to see what was going on, and I was amazed that by 8:00 the Mall was almost completely filled. There were people everywhere! It was breathtaking! I was on a team with some fun people, so we just hung out until about 8:30 when the performers were to arrive. We were a little concerned because the volunteer escort for Yo-Yo Ma wasn't there yet. So when we checked in at our spot to greet them, we informed the staff that we were missing an escort. They quickly told us that Yo-Yo Ma was already there, and was with an escort. We panicked for a minute, but then realized that since our room had changed in the updates, the other person must have not seen the change and took them to the original room. We sent someone to get them, and before you knew it, here they come. Actually, 3 of the musicians arrived together, so they were all in the wrong room. We took Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill and Gabriela Montero to the room, and started introductions so they knew we were there to help them, and get them ready for the performance. We became a little concerned because Izhak Perlman wasn't there yet, but knew it was a little early. However, by 9:30 we became a little worried, and started to alert the Inauguration staff. While talking about the concerns, the most surreal thing happened. Yo-Yo Ma reached for his I-phone, and quickly called Mr. Perlman (on speed dial) and asked where he was. It went something like this "Hi. Izhak. This is Yo-Yo. Where are you?" I thought "Are you kidding?" They have each other on speed dial!!! Of course, why wouldn't they??? We found out that Mr. Perman's car didn't have the correct credentia ls and they wouldn't let his car thru. After some scrambling they got credentials down to his car, and he finally arrived. He was a little "hot" about it, but soon cooled off.
The next hour was an amazing experience. They practiced the composition in the room. They talked and joked with us and each other. I was surprised that they were all such nice people. Yo-Yo Ma (do you call him Mr. Ma?) was so sweet and gentlemanly. He was funny and polite, and always interested in finding out about everyone else. Mr. Perlman has a great sense of humor, and was cracking jokes all morning. Ms. Montero was so beautiful and kind. She was truly enjoying the experience. Mr. McGill was so honored to be there, and was just as nice as he could be. I worried that they would be "celebrities" and would barely speak to us, but it was just the opposite. They posed for pictures with us, and at the end of the day gave autographs to us (I didn't get Mr. Perlman's because he was with his family at the end).
So, the time came for us to lead them to the platform. We took them to their spot, told them that we would see them at the end of the ceremony, and I then went to take my seat in the bleachers. By that time (a little before 11:00) the Mall and reserved seat/standing areas) were completely filled. I have never seen so many people. They went on forever! Many people have asked where my seats were, and if you are on Facebook, you can see my vantage point (if not, let me know and I can send a few photos (I took over 70!) Words cannot describe my feelings of being there and the sights that I was seeing. To look out and see millions of people braving the cold to witness this moment was amazing. To see the motorcade coming down Pennsylvania Avenue. To hear the cheers that rolled thru the crowd when they saw Obama arrive at the Capitol. To see the wave of hundreds of thousands of flags that looked like one rippling flag was inspiring. To see all the flashbulbs going off looked like thousands of stars in the sky. To know that I was witnessing history brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. To witness our country's democracy in action was something I will never forget. I have never been so inspired and honored to be there. Hopefully you saw the ceremony on tv, so I won't describe it. All I can say is that no matter how cold it was at that moment, I was so warm with hope and a sense of renewal as to what this country is about.
After the ceremony we led the group back to the room, and they warmed up a little (they performed without coats!), and we said our good-byes with hugs and cheek kisses. And it was time for me to leave. I had lunch with a friend (after we tried for an hour to find a place that wasn't packed). I headed back to Arlington (on the one bridge that was open), and I sat and watched the replays on tv to catch all the moments I couldn't see. I went to bed again with tears in my eyes for what I had experience and with a sense of overwhelming gratitude that I live in this country!
Guess that's all I can put down into words. Not bad for being speechless. I just don't think any words will do the experience justice.
Love
Barbara"
(Barbara Esquibel was the 2001 President of the Greensboro Jaycees.)
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