This Is Amazing

I am seeing coverage of the crowds and goings on in Washington, DC.  The numbers and excitement is like I have never seen before.  Now granted, I only recall the inaugurations of Reagan, Bush 1, Clinton and Bush 2, but the feeling coming across has never been like this. 

One major difference is the number of Barack Obama commemorative plates available for purchase.  My favorite is the Stephen Colbert Zenith of Change commemorative plate.

I just heard an interesting news tidbit.  Apparently, they pick one member of the government and whisk them off to a top secret military hiding place during the inauguration.  This is done in the case of "a catastrophic event."  Should something happen and the entire capital area wiped out, there will still be a member of the administration to pick up the pieces.  And who is the lucky individual?  Defense Secretary Robert Gates.  God Speed Sir.

So speaking of the inauguration, how did the President-Elect spend his last day as "not the President"?  He spent it in service, setting the example that he wants American citizens to follow during his administration.  A beautiful way to honor the memory of Dr. King.  Walking the walk and talking the talk.  How novel is that?

And my new favorite "O'Bama" photo?

The story behind this photo goes back to 2003 at Chicago's St. Patrick's Day Parade.  He met the World Famous Lawn Rangers, a 28-year-old Central Illinois-based precision lawn mower drill team.  They will be appearing the inaugural parade tomorrow.  The Chicago Tribune has the whole story.