A turning point in the nation's history

Regardless of race, faith, or political preference, this week's presidential inauguration grabbed the attention of people in record numbers, around the world. As 11 a.m. CST approached on this momentous day, I found myself anxiously trying to find a way to watch the ceremony.

We don't have a television in the newsroom, and so many of us here planned to watch the ceremonies via live streaming video on the Web. My Internet connection was giving me some trouble, so I scrambled at the last minute to find another plan.

I write this not from a political point of view, but as a citizen who witnessed a historic moment.

On Tuesday, once I found a place to watch history in the making, I thought of Ricky Turner, who sat beside me at his restaurant, The Cedar Bucket, and wondered what this inauguration must have meant to him as he watched in awe as the new president addressed more than 2 million people at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

I thought of George W. Bush, and the relief he appeared to have as he watched Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th president of the United States.

I thought of Bedford County resident Tonya Davis, who minutes before the inauguration expressed sentiments to me that no matter what one's political affiliations are, now is a time in which the country must unite -- a sentiment I believe and certainly hope is felt by all Americans.

I thought of Donna Phillips, another Bedford County resident and Obama supporter who was in Washington with her children, and wondered what she must feel as an African American woman witnessing history in the making -- live.

I thought of my very good friend, Giselle Roche, who also made the trip to Washington, and hoped she finally felt some satisfaction from all of her hard work on the Obama campaign.

I thought of Diane Floyd, who was scrambling to put together an inaugural ball at the last minute so locals could rejoice in the historic day of celebration. I thought of the poem she read to me, a few months ago, that reads as follows: "Rosa sat, so Martin could walk, Martin walked so Obama could run, and Obama is running so our children can fly."

I thought of the millions and millions of Americans that could not make it to Washington, but filled Times Square, and other celebrations at cities big and small throughout the nation. I also thought of my friends in Korea, and folks all around the world, and wondered if they were happy with the conclusion of a political season that had them, even thousands of miles away, so interested and apprehensive.

I thought of Aretha Franklin, and wondered what she must have felt as she sang a chill-provoking rendition of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" in front of maybe her largest audience ever.

I thought of what the new president's daughter must have felt as she worked hard to make sure the moment was frozen in time as she snapped photos of her dad making his inaugural speech.

I thought of my own 2-year-old nephew -- remembering how he blazed around the house screaming "Barack Obama, Barack Obama" -- proud that he could pronounce his name -- during Christmas last year. I wondered what this election would mean for his generation.

I thought of the new president, and wondered how he felt, as I admired the peaceful look on his face, prior to being sworn in, which was followed by a look of fierce determination as he gave his speech that conveyed a message of both reality and hope.

--Sadie Fowler is a staff writer for the Times-Gazette. She can be reached at (931) 684-1200, ext. 214, or by e-mail at sfowler@t-g.com. This column is published each Thursday.