| The images on our TV screen were magnetic and inspiring - they reflected the deeper significance of this day, in part for the historic step by our nation to seat an African-American as our President, but moreso for how it all came about as reflected by the multitude of faces stretching from the Capitol steps through the expanse of the mall to the steps of the Lincoln Monument, all two million plus of us. We were touched by the eloquence of a young man assuming the burdens of a world gone astray, but were cautioned by him that the path we now face is one we must collectively take, as one nation. He reminded us of perilous times in our past when we faced hardships and danger - but he ended by reminding us also of how those who came before us rose to meet those challenges through their persistence and creativity and dedication... |
In the midst of all the pageantry, we were touched by images of the proud and hopeful faces of thousands as the cameras panned across the crowds, by the image of two Tuskegee Airmen in their powder blue baseball caps witnessing this moment in history, and by the singing of America by the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, superimposed over a view of thousands of us basking in the light and hope of a new day...
To have been there in person would have been a dream come true - still, having been connected as a nation through the technology of modern media will serve us and our collective memories just fine - consider that for the briefest of moments, we as a nation paused to elevate the human spirit... |
