I grew up within 20 miles of Washington D.C., and have been raised with history. I was there when John-john raised his little hand in salute as the caisson passed by him...I was there when the city was off-limits due to the riots...I was there when Govenor George Wallace was shot in the neighboring town of Laurel, Md....I have been to Arlington National Cemetary to see the eternal flame and the Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown soldier...I have been to 'The Wall' and played on the steps of the Capital...felt the cold marble walls etched with Lincoln's words...sat in on a session of Congress and the Supreme Court...stood in the whispering spot in Statuary Hall in the Capital...I have seen history unfold before my eyes...and on the nightly news...because television stations in Washington D.C. are much different than those in other parts of the country.
Every innauguration is a part of history. And only in the years ahead will we know how the true history will be written. This...is a starting point.