Yesterday I had the amazing opportunity to be in the same room as Barack Obama, you know, the president of the United States.
Most of you probably know about the tragic shootings that took place last Saturday, but for those of you who don’t, you should really go read into it. A gunman shot, injured, and killed many innocent victims in front of Safeway (Including Tucson’s congress woman). Can you even imagine? None of them would have ever expected their day to play out that way. Of course, nobody ever plans on being attacked for no reason.
Yesterday was supposed to be the first day of classes here, but instead classes were cancelled due to the memorial that Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jan Brewer(Arizona Governor), Janet Napolitano(Secretary of Homeland Security) and Eric Holder(U.S. Attorney General) all attended and spoke at in respect to those who were a part of the shootings.
I’m not going to lie and say I’m a very big on politics, but I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime historic event.
We got in line at about 11:45 am, doors to get in opened at 4pm, and the service began at 6pm. People left far earlier than us though, 9am if not earlier. We went to the end of the line, and it turned out where we were was actually the entrance! So we were within the first 20 or so people to get in. It was so exhausting waiting in line for that long, not being able to eat or go to the bathroom or do anything, smooshed in with strangers. The line stretched out MILES throughout the campus. From all ends. Not everyone could fit where the speech took place, so thousands of people had to watch it from our football stadium.
As soon as it began though, I knew the 6 hour wait was completely worth it.
It was such a touching experience. The speakers spoke of hope for America and were extremely inspirational. President Obama gave an amazing speech, and even if you don’t care for him as a president, it was extremely sympathetic for him to do this and say the words that he did. He is such an eloquent speaker. I have never once felt more of a part of this amazing country as I did during that speech. The whole room was filled with such patriotism.
They told the stories of each of those whose lives were lost due to the gunman. One girl, born on 9/11/01, was only nine years old. Another man was engaged to be married. An elderly couple of high school sweet hearts (who reunited after their respective partners passed away) were both shot, even though the man (an ex-marine) threw his body over her in a last resort to save her life.
It was by far the most incredible thing I have, and possibly may ever, be a part of. Although, it’s hard to be so grateful about this experience when really I was only given this opportunity due to such a horrific tragedy. My prayers go out to those whose lives ended that day, those who are still healing, and those whose loved ones were attacked.
