Thoughts from DC by Jordan Harris
Sunday-Jan 18 (Day 1)
After watching my Philadelphia Eagles fall to the Arizona Cardinals it was time for me to embark upon my journey to our nation's capitol. The Stafford Foundation based in Reston, Virginia has reserved the entire JW Marriott located just two blocks shy of the White House. The People's inauguration as they have title it, is an event for those who may have had the desire to come to inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, but would not have otherwise had the opportunity. Also, those organizations that provide services for the betterment of our nation's citizens were also offered rooms and tickets to inaugural events. It's because of my work with Youth Action ( the non-profit organization that I co-founded five years ago) that I was invited to this three day long event.
Expecting a hail of traffic I left later in the day with the hopes of missing the massive droves of people who would make siege on Washington DC. To my surprise traffic was relative smooth until my arrival at the hotel. It was a moment that reminded me of my Sunday school lessons as I was told there was no room for my car at the inn. The many temporary residents of the JW Marriott had filled the parking lot. I was given a list of other lots to try and again was told that there was no room at the inn. Determined to take part in this historical event I continued my search until at last I found a spot to park.
Now with the great parking dilemma solved it was onto finding my way back to the hotel. Moments of frustration birthed by the many street closures and round abouts looked to deter me but no no I must make it to my finally destination. After about a half hour or so I finally found it.
At last I finally arrived at the hotel to a larger than life replica of the Presidential seal. Red, White, and blue was all around and the might stars and stripes tattooed the hotel lobby walls and support columns. It was than I knew that the festivities had begun. I was in Washington DC our nation's capitol to mark the history marking inauguration of America first African American President, Barack Obama.
I look forward to the events of tomorrow and the excitement that they will bring.
After watching my Philadelphia Eagles fall to the Arizona Cardinals it was time for me to embark upon my journey to our nation's capitol. The Stafford Foundation based in Reston, Virginia has reserved the entire JW Marriott located just two blocks shy of the White House. The People's inauguration as they have title it, is an event for those who may have had the desire to come to inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, but would not have otherwise had the opportunity. Also, those organizations that provide services for the betterment of our nation's citizens were also offered rooms and tickets to inaugural events. It's because of my work with Youth Action ( the non-profit organization that I co-founded five years ago) that I was invited to this three day long event.
Expecting a hail of traffic I left later in the day with the hopes of missing the massive droves of people who would make siege on Washington DC. To my surprise traffic was relative smooth until my arrival at the hotel. It was a moment that reminded me of my Sunday school lessons as I was told there was no room for my car at the inn. The many temporary residents of the JW Marriott had filled the parking lot. I was given a list of other lots to try and again was told that there was no room at the inn. Determined to take part in this historical event I continued my search until at last I found a spot to park.
Now with the great parking dilemma solved it was onto finding my way back to the hotel. Moments of frustration birthed by the many street closures and round abouts looked to deter me but no no I must make it to my finally destination. After about a half hour or so I finally found it.
At last I finally arrived at the hotel to a larger than life replica of the Presidential seal. Red, White, and blue was all around and the might stars and stripes tattooed the hotel lobby walls and support columns. It was than I knew that the festivities had begun. I was in Washington DC our nation's capitol to mark the history marking inauguration of America first African American President, Barack Obama.
I look forward to the events of tomorrow and the excitement that they will bring.
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