Proud
Last minute a friend asked if we wanted to go to another town and watch the inauguration at a theater with the community. Unlike my usual self (I like plans) I said, yes, and we booked it over there to make it just in time for the opening ceremonies. I'm so glad we did because we were with a large crowd of very happy Americans, cheering and clapping together.
Entertainment-wise, I love that Aretha was there, but they should have started the song much lower for her voice, which sounded like maybe she was sick. The quartet of classical greats was freakin' amazing. When the clarinet came in with the melody, I teared up. There was a woman pianist, who must be a talent to have been invited, but during the entire song they showed her exactly twice and very briefly. ??? The military choir was on exact timing and key (military isn't known for passion so I wasn't expecting a moving performance), and the poet was very good. I like the poem, however, I didn't like the way she read it. But that's me. I like reading poetry, but I don't usually enjoy how people read it out loud. The first reverend to speak started out slow, but had some nice moments in there. The last revered who closed the ceremonies was this old man who was a big part of the civil rights movement and he was great.
And I did cry during our President's speech. I gave a little cheer when he said science would be given its rightful place again. And I liked the part when he said we'd extend friendship to any nation if they would only unclench their fist. Nice metaphor. There was much more I teared up about and clapped and was caught up in the moment with all those people, and very happy to be an American today.
Entertainment-wise, I love that Aretha was there, but they should have started the song much lower for her voice, which sounded like maybe she was sick. The quartet of classical greats was freakin' amazing. When the clarinet came in with the melody, I teared up. There was a woman pianist, who must be a talent to have been invited, but during the entire song they showed her exactly twice and very briefly. ??? The military choir was on exact timing and key (military isn't known for passion so I wasn't expecting a moving performance), and the poet was very good. I like the poem, however, I didn't like the way she read it. But that's me. I like reading poetry, but I don't usually enjoy how people read it out loud. The first reverend to speak started out slow, but had some nice moments in there. The last revered who closed the ceremonies was this old man who was a big part of the civil rights movement and he was great.
And I did cry during our President's speech. I gave a little cheer when he said science would be given its rightful place again. And I liked the part when he said we'd extend friendship to any nation if they would only unclench their fist. Nice metaphor. There was much more I teared up about and clapped and was caught up in the moment with all those people, and very happy to be an American today.