Inauguration - January 20, 2009

Inauguration Day - January 20, 2009.
Today is a very important occasion in our country’s relatively young history. Our 44th president took the oath of office. He is the 17th president who has served during my life. This is a momentous historical event! Barack Obama is the first African-American to hold this high office. This says a lot on how far the country has come in resolving the country’s black-white relationship. The “Press” describe him as “black”, but he is no more black than he is white. For, his mother was white, while his father was black.
I feel very fortunate to have experienced this event - even though it was via TV. When I was much younger, I never expected to see this day. But, it has taken 90 years! This feeling was reinforced by my military experience, living in the South during World War II and the Korean War. I was stationed in Montgomery, Alabama three times with the military. In 1941, I was assigned to Gunter field as a Sergeant and a crew chief on a Vultee BT-13 basic trainer, and in 1944, I was assigned to Maxwell Field as a 1st Lt. and student officer. During the Korean War, in1952, I attended the Air-Command and Staff School at Maxwell Field. All three times, the “Negro“, or “Colored”, as they were referred to back then, had separate (but unequal) facilities - schools, drinking fountains, public rest rooms and sections on public transportation! This was a new experience for me.
I am a native of Michigan. Seeing such anti-social treatment in the South was a real eye opener for me. How could I see one of these “second class” citizens as a future President - let alone achieve it in the next 63 years?
While I didn’t vote for Obama, (I voted for Bob Barr!) about everyone else did! But during the presidential campaign, I witnessed all of Obama’s personal skills - confidence, speaking ability, demeanor and good looks. Even then, he just appeared “presidential”. He has a tough job ahead of him - a given. Very few people would want to be in his shoes. I will pray for his success, and I am sure that future historians will have a lot of good things to say about him, after his term (s). I think that he was the correct choice for president, among all of the many contenders. If anyone can succeed, I think that this man will. He is very intelligent, speaks well and exudes confidence. Most of all, he will have common sense. Also, he has surrounded himself with a strong cabinet and administrative staff. I am sure that he will listen carefully to their counseling and advice.
President Obama’s election is a milestone in our country’s history. His overwhelming margin of victory in November’s election showed that the voters have matured, and done what’s right, by acknowledging and accepting such a highly qualified individual to lead us in the early part of the twenty first century.
Today’s crowd was the largest - by far - to witness the inauguration of a president - up close! The authorities estimated the crowd on hand, at the capitol, on the Mall and surrounding area, at one million! (How did they arrive at this figure?)
I am interested, and fascinated with the background -logistics for the occasion:
I can not fathom such a scene! Where is everyone staying - eating? Where did they come from? What means of transportation? What motivated them to make the effort, and bear the expense during these tough- economic times? Who was responsible for the pre-planning for the event - the needs for: Security? Seating? Food? Port-a- Potties? The stage at the capitol? Transportation? The lunch afterwards? The Balls in the evening?, and the list goes on and on! I wonder if the Mayflower “movers out” will pass the “ movers in”, as the tenants trade places? The activity, that went on behind the scene, is very intriguing and interesting to me!
Good Luck president Obama! May the wind of fortune be with you!

Ray L’Amoreaux
January 20, 2009.