Inauguration 2009

As I sit here and watch the Inauguration, I cannot help but get a little misty-eyed. It isn't that I consider myself such a patriot that these events affect me so profoundly. It is in seeing the coverage of so many people, literally millions in Washington, D.C., and so many more around the world watching with anticipation, hanging on the words of President Obama's Inaugural Address, their hopes, their dreams, their expectations embodied in a single man. Now, this has occurred 44 times in our country's history, and I have seen some of those. But never have I felt so close to this event as I do today. I have always previously felt that these events smack of jingoism to one degree or another. But with this one, it is much more real, much more determined. I can see the faces of those in the crowd and each one reflects that same hope, something I think we had all lost on levels. I hear my own daughter's reactions to these events and smile at the excitement she exhibits. I am excited for her, knowing she will have the opportunity to visit our country's capital in April with her class and possibly even briefly meet our new President.

I write this as President Obama speaks. His words strike me as powerful, much more so than Presidents in the past, not accepting that he is the only one who can bring forth some sort of unrealistic goals, but rather calling upon everyone, each American citizen to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and prepare for the work that is to come. It is interesting because I see so many nodding heads. I feel hopeful myself.

On September 11th, 2001, I cried as I watched the coverage of our nation under attack by cowards. I felt empathy with all other Americans, and I am sure I am not the only one. Today, I feel a similar empathy, a connection, but one built upon hope, not pain. Patriotism? Perhaps. I hear a man finally in the position of our country's highest office saying the things that have needed to be said for almost a decade or more.

And in the end, isn't it hope that drives all of us? As trite as it may sound, I feel more American today.