Jan 20, 2009 7:33 pm US/Central
Minnesotans In D.C. React To Historic Inauguration
"The experience was absolutely phenomenal. To be here with I don't know how many people," said Minnesotan Eric Mahmoud. "It was like a forest of people out here."
WASHINGTON (WCCO) ―
-
-
The Fergus Falls High School Marching Band drove 120 miles from their Pennsylvania hotel to the Pentagon staging area before performing in the Inauguration Parade. (File)
Denise Wiese
Hundreds of Minnesotans made the trip out to Washington, D.C. to see the inauguration first-hand; politicians, police helping with security and families who just wanted to be there.
"The experience was absolutely phenomenal. To be here with I don't know how many people," said Eric Mahmoud. "It was like a forest of people out here."
And somewhere among the millions on the National Mall was a group of students, teachers and elders from Harvest Prep School in Minneapolis.
"It was very exciting, it was a very historical event. I was very happy about it. It was very cold," said fifth-grader Namir Sparce.
Students from the African-centered school felt privileged to see a man like them become president.
"I feel proud, I feel a strong sense of pride," said Sparce.
So does the Fergus Falls High School Marching Band that performed in the parade.
"It's really amazing because we're from a small town and all of a sudden we get picked for this. It's a really good chance to represent Minnesota," said Fergus Falls band member Adam Tietz.
The band drove 120 miles from their Pennsylvania hotel to the Pentagon staging area.
"I'm feeling a little nervous right now and also excited because we get to be in something so huge," said Tietz. "If anything I think we're going to get a quick glimpse of President Obama while we're singing."
Meantime, the Harvest Prep group reflected on their once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"It was exciting, people were pumped up. When he actually took the oath people were cheering, some were crying, it was wonderful," said Mahmoud.
And so meaningful for so many.
"For my future, I think it means I can be anything I want and I have the potential to do anything I want," said Sparce. "It felt like, wow, this man has really had a big influence, a big inspiration in this world cause it was like millions of people and I was like, wow."
"I think his speech. When he talked about we see many challenges but it's going to take creativity, it's going to hard work, it's going to take us all pulling together," said Mahmoud.
"My favorite moment was at the end when Barack Obama gave his speech," said Sparce.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
