Like most kids around the country (I think?), my kids had a special assembly at school to watch Obama's inauguration last Tuesday. I was half-tempted to go watch with them, but I selfishly wanted to be sure I could catch every word and savor every image without being distracted; I also wanted to choose what channel(s) to watch and have my computer handy for tweeting. (I briefly considered taking the kids out of school to watch with me at home, but I also thought it would be nice for them to experience this momentous event with their peers.) A photo of Julie's class was on the front page of the Newton TAB, but she was sitting about 3 kids over from where the photo ends, so she's not in it.
Loyal verbatim reader Elena had the added excitement of watching her own kids on TV; they were in the marching band at the inaugural parade! Talk about an experience they'll never forget!
Through Mom Central, I heard about the DC 24, a wonderful program sponsored by the McCormick Foundation. This group of 24 inner-city Chicago fifth and six graders got to go to Washington to witness the inauguration in person. You can find out more about the DC 24 at Share My Inauguration—it's truly a moving and inspiring story.
The 24 students were chosen based on an essay, their grades and test scores, and an interview. Before the trip, they participated in a weekly civics course where they learned about the Constitution, our election process, and African-American history. They not only got to attend the inauguration and one of the inaugural balls, they also got to spend several days in Washington sightseeing. The McCormick Foundation's goal was to inspire these children to commit to a lifetime of giving back to their community and their country. (I had never heard of the McCormick Foundation before; it is "a nonprofit organization committed to strengthening our free, democratic society by investing in children, communities and country.")
I'm still amazed that my kids had a "front row seat" for their little piece of the inauguration. Despite the brutal cold conditions they had to endure for hours, they got to see the Obamas up close as they paraded before the reviewing stand. I cannot adequately describe the thrill of watching them on TV and seeing the Obamas wave to them!
Posted by: Elena | January 25, 2009 at 08:49 AM