Families from around the nation did whatever they could to make sure they didn’t miss the historic occasion.
There are as many unique and personal stories as there are people jamming the National Mall for the inauguration of President Obama.
Lawton Wilkerson, 86, was among the hundreds of thousands of excited onlookers gathered along the lawns that lead to the U.S. Capitol. Wilkerson, 86, a member of the Tuskeegee Airmen, the first black military aviators in U.S. history, is attending his first inauguration.
“It’s a very historic event on a very historic day,” Wilkerson says. “We celebrate Dr. (Martin Luther) King’s birthday at the same time the second term of a black president.”
Wilkerson said he was hopeful Obama’s second term would be a productive one, now that he no longer faces re-election. “He has done many things despite the opposition in Congress, and this time he doesn’t have to … play politics anymore.”
The inauguration is providing a special moment for the Hall family of Baxley, Ga.
Cassandra Carter, 29, says her father, Esco Hall Jr., lived through segregation in Georgia and was one of the first blacks to be admitted to the University of Georgia’s veterinary school. Today her 64-year-old father is a Baxley councilman.
Cassandra Carter says the president’s re-election shows how far the nation has come from the days when her father was in school. Her niece Alexis Smith, 13, says it gives her hope.
“Most people think black people can’t do anything, so him being in the White House proves them wrong,” she says.
Zulfat Suara, 45, of Bolivar, Tenn., made a 15-hour bus ride with 150 others to be in town for the inaugural celebration.
Suara said the historic nature of Obama’s first inauguration was something special, but in some ways this second inauguration resonates deeper.
“To have a second term — especially considering the difficulties he faced in his first term — it’s almost sweeter that the people elected him a second time,” she said.
Dietrichel Nolen, 47, was among a group of 50 people who took a 12-hour bus ride from Birmingham, Ala.
“This is the last one that we’ll possibly see for an African-American in our history, and I decided to come and see this,” said Nolen, who is black. “I want to share this with my grandchildren one day.”
Nolen, wearing a hat emblazoned with OBAMA in shiny beads and bright pink earmuffs clamped over her ears, says she has mixed feelings about Obama’s first term.
“I’m not going to agree with everything the president does, but I will always pray for him,” Nolen said.
Febbie Pearsol of Woodbridge, Va., visited the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial before walking to the Capitol for the inaugural celebration.
“I’m so proud,” said Pearsol, 44, whose mother particpated in King’s March on Washington in 1963. Pearsol gestured to the King memorial and said Obama “is here because of this man.”
Carla Campbell-Jackson of Kalamazoo, Mich., came to Washington on Wednesday to begin celebrating Obama’s second term. She went to the inauguration four years ago and came back this time to show support for what Obama has accomplished, she said.
“I think there’s a lot more energy and passion behind this inauguration because we understand the struggles and obstacles President Obama had to endure and overcome,” Campbell-Jackson said.
Rachael Bardnell, a 20-year-old theater student, was one of 80 students from Otterbein University in Ohio to pay $80 each for the two-day trip. Her reason for coming to Washington was pragmatic.
“An inauguration is an inauguration,” she said “It’s a big, monumental event. It’s a celebration.”
Source: Marisol Bello, Aamer Madhani and Susan Davis, USA TODAY
Contributing: Fredreka Schouten, Melanie Everlsey, Yamiche Alcindor, Gregory Korte
