Inauguration Day

Today I went to teach at Cascade Middle School and the plan for the day was to watch the Inauguration on tv. One of the amazing things that I noticed was that the schools wanted all the students to watch the inauguration today. In the past they never have. I think that it was a great educational experience for the students and that it really promoted patriotism in the schools. The students had a spirit of reverence in the classroom as the prayers were said at the ceremony and were intent on listening to the music and speeches. However, after the oath of office ceremony the students began chatting and were not as interested. Perhaps it was because we watched it all day long. They were most excited to see their friends and relatives in the band at Evergreen High School in the parade.

The day began for the Obamas at the Episcopal church, a traditional service is held on election day in the morning before the President elect goes to the White House to meet with the current President. January 20th is the day that the Constitution defines as the day that the President takes office and even though Obama became President at noon he didn't take the oath of office until a few minutes after noon. I was very impressed by the speech that was given and the connection with history. There was an emphasis on the civil rights movement with the Lincoln Bible being used and the Rosa Parks bus in the parade. I loved to watch history being made.