By all accounts, regardless of race, creed, color or political party, the inauguration was a grand event. Having spoken with five people who attended the historical moment in Washington, D.C., their enthusiasm and awe abound and their words reflect their feelings.

The Rev. Al Banks and Bernadette Johnson Banks, African American liaison for Elementary School District 102, drove to our capitol with their 24-year-old daughter Cassie. Bernadette had requested and received tickets from U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-3rd District, of Western Springs. The family was happy to have the opportunity to drive across the country and Bernadette has “some 400 photos” she took during the trip. The lovely drive set the stage for the events that were to come.

Laura Schwarz, principal of Park Junior High, graciously extended an invitation for the Banks to stay with her family in Washington, D.C. “They rolled out the red carpet for us. They live about 10 minutes away from mass transit, and it was wonderful being able to stay with them,” states Bernadette.

Their tickets were in the silver section, immediately behind the Reflecting Pool. Directly in front of them, there was a section cordoned off for people in wheelchairs, walkers, etc., and though the plastic fencing had come down, all were respectful of the people gathered in the section.

Both the Rev. Banks and Bernadette agree: There was a feeling of unity and harmony everywhere that they looked and everywhere that they went.

As Banks says, “There was a spirit-loving message — it was a sweet spirit with an overdose of patience. The feeling was one of unity in that it’s like when you go to a Super Bowl — it might not be your team that is playing, but everyone is there for the event.”

Three million people gathered together with one purpose: to witness a president being sworn in.

Nyka Aukstuolis, La Grange Park native and Lyons Township graduate of 2002 is working as a staffer for the Senate’s Agricultural Committee. She describes the feeling of magnitude as she and a friend were walking to a reception after the inauguration.

“Seeing literally thousands of people walking on the freeway, it just made you feel like you were part of something. I know my mom always talks about where she was when Armstrong landed on the moon; I feel like I now can share that same feeling.” Aukstuolis goes on to say: “I will never forget witnessing Obama become president. The day after the inauguration, the Congressional staff was allowed to go to the podium where Obama was sworn in and take pictures. The magnitude of it all was amazing.”

Ben Noble, presently the legislative correspondent for U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert, R-13th District, of Hinsdale, grew up in La Grange Park and graduated from Hamilton College. Biggert gave him two tickets to the blue section. Noble invited his childhood friend, Ray Baker of La Grange to join him. Peter Hanscom, Baker’s friend from his alma mater University of Evansville, joined the two. Hanscom secured a ticket from U.S. Rep. Brad Ellsworth, of Indiana, for the same section.

According to Noble, “the inauguration was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, even for a Republican. I was one of the few to applaud the entrance of Bush 41, Bush 43 and McCain ... I am thankful that I had the opportunity to partake in this historic event.”

The attendees all had to be at the gates and in line by 5 or 6 in the morning. It was cold, everyone agrees, though not as cold as Chicago.

As Noble says, “We had to wait in line for a couple of hours, but thankfully we passed through security at around 9 a.m. We were lucky to gain entry, as security closed the gates of the silver, blue and purple standing sections due to overcrowding and faulty metal detectors.”

Noble also agrees with the Banks’ assessment of the peacefulness and cheerfulness of the day in spite of the horrendous crowds. Baker relates that everyone was in a happy mood, and that the same good feeling prevailed.

The young men also attended the pre-inaugural concert and Baker says this: “Being in a crowd of thousands of people singing ‘Twist and Shout’ and ‘American Pie’ with Garth Brooks was unbelievable.” 

Baker sums up his experience in these words: “I was overwhelmed and I feel very privileged to have been there.”