Frontlines: The Latest from OutServe-SLDN

Historic Inauguration Turns Hope into Reality as New Day Dawns

I woke as the sun beams burst into the room. This is going to be a great day is all I could keep saying to myself. Although it was early in the morning, I was invigorated knowing that in just a few hours I would be able to witness what will become a staple in American history.

Though relatively new to DC, I still felt like a tourist gazing at my map time after time to configure my best route to the Capitol Building. I was amazed at the mass of people who had suddenly appeared in the streets. There was a glow to almost every individual I saw. It wasn't the fur coats or the winter boots on their feet, and it may not have even been the countless numbers wearing Obama hats and scarves. I think it was this attitude and ambiance that change, in fact, was about to happen.

After hours of walking, waiting and walking some more I made it to my ticket area and was captivated at the beauty of the Capitol Building and the patriotism surrounding it. It was a completely diverse arena where men and women from all races, backgrounds and religions converged to listen to the new hope for America be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. I found an ideal spot where I could see the site of the inauguration but also had a clear view of the JumboTron, so as not to miss any of the activities or arrivals of the VIPs. The sight of the small American flags being waved by the crowd that stretched from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial gave me goosebumps. Again, I found it difficult to believe that I was a part of this great moment.

Cheers erupted every time the large televisions displayed images of President Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Clinton and the sound were nearly deafening when we watched Barrack Obama emerge from his well guarded motorcade and again as he was introduced onto the inauguration platform. It was a very different response that our outgoing president was given, which consisted of boo's or utter silence. The worst response had to have been to the announcement of VP Dick Cheney, who was delivered via wheelchair to an entourage of what could have easily been mistaken for an angry mob.

I thought the Master of Ceremonies, Diane Feinstein, did an excellent job of maintaining the spirit of the thousands and thousands of people in front of her. Although Rick Warren delivered a decent invocation, he was met with the awkward silence I sensed when President Bush was displayed on screen. I had the similar reaction as well, looking and listening to the words of a man who had been negative and derogatory about gays and lesbians. Nonetheless, thoughts and disgust of Warren melted out of my mind as the talented Aretha Franklin stood up and belted out her version of "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

Next, as Joe Biden was sworn in as the new Vice President, I felt the pride and hope escalate even more. Change was definitely about to happen. Applause rang throughout DC, and I'm sure across the country, as VP Biden completed his oath and the anticipation for our first African American president rose. This man, who had promised and committed to making our great country stronger and better once again, was about to become our leader. This man, whose use of simple words such as "hope" and "change," enlivened the hearts and spirits of millions upon millions of Americans.

Before the new Command in Chief was sworn into office, we heard a musical ensemble featuring cellist Yo Yo Ma play, "Air and Simple Gifts," arranged by John Williams. The delicate combinations of its harmony and melody set the mood for the history that was about to occur.

Silence dominated the entire area as Michelle Obama held the large bible and her husband laid his left hand upon it while raising his right. As President Obama was about to conclude his vow to govern our land, teenagers near me began to chant "O-Ba-Ma!" An elderly woman in a wheelchair to my right rapidly beat her gloved hands together as tears formed in her eyes and two men in front of me holding hands kissed after hearing Obama's words "...so help me God," just as an uproar exploded from the Capitol and National Mall with a flurry of red, white and blue waving across the crowd of spectators.

I believe President Obama's speech encapsulated not only the issues in our country, but a vow and a plan on how they can and will be fixed. With the economy receiving the majority of attention, I was enlightened to hear him speak of the two issues that are a large impact in my life - diversity and the military. Being a gay man, the Department of Defense told me that I could no longer serve my country even after over six years in the Army and two tours in the Middle East. Although a federally mandated law, I truly believe that "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will see its demise under the Obama administration and through his promise to work with Congress and the DoD to eliminate the discriminatory ban and allow all men and women to serve openly, regardless of their sexual orientation.

January 20, 2009 will be a day that I remember for the rest of my life. The experience to be a part of such a historical event is something I am thankful for. And I am truly looking forward to seeing the hope promised by one but felt by millions, turn into reality.

01-21-09 By Darren Manzella, former U.S. Army Sergeant |