Brenneman calls in report from the scene

Inauguration

January 21, 2009

By JESSE DAVIS The Goshen News Wed Jan 21, 2009, 10:43 AM EST

As President Barack Obama stepped to the podium to take his oath of office Tuesday, the electricity that flowed through Goshen College was palpable.

There, at the Umble Center, students, faculty and community members gathered to watch the historic inauguration of our 44th commander in chief. By the time Obama raised his hand to be sworn into the office, it was standing room only.

A variety of school officials and professors took the stage before the lights were turned down and the television sound turned up. They discussed the content of previous speeches by Obama and other presidents, a bit of civil rights history and comments from Goshen College President Jim Brenneman.

Brenneman sent a letter in his stead as he and his son Quinn were seated just 100 yards from the platform at the Capitol Building.

“When I was his age, I had experienced life as a child living in the deeply segregated south, where our theaters, restaurants, drinking fountains and beaches were blatantly divided between ‘whites’ and ‘coloreds.’ ” Brenneman’s letter read. “So, to be standing here today in a sea of people from every race, culture, age and creed, together bearing witness to the inauguration of President Obama sends shivers up my spine — and not just from the cold out here.”

Just before ceremonies began, Brenneman called GC Director of Public Relations Richard Aguirre, who held his cell phone to the microphone while Brenneman described the scene.

“It is a great experience,” Brenneman told the crowd. “I wish you could all be here.”

His voice was nearly drowned out by cheers of “O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma! O-ba-ma!” coming from revelers near him.

The auditorium, which had been full of excited chatter and giggling, fell silent as the inauguration began, but when President Obama uttered the words “so help me God,” the audience exploded.

Everyone in attendance was on their feet, cheering and clapping heartily for the nation’s newest leader.

Response to President Obama’s inaugural speech was less exuberant but favorable, with random bouts of clapping or solitary whoops breaking the silence as his words resonated with attendees.

After a discussion period regarding the day’s historic nature, many attendees made a final stop in an adjoining room to have a snack before continuing on. They were still talking about the inauguration as they left.

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Inauguration

Ticket-holders leave line to watch TV Sometimes it really is true that the journey can be more satisfying than the destination.
January 21, 2009
Murtos excited to be part of the crowd Lauren Murto and her three sons traveled in crowded public transportation Tuesday but go to the mall and were able to witness the inauguration.
January 21, 2009
Event takes center stage at several local schools The inauguration of President Barack Obama was a major focus of local schools Tuesday as students and staff tuned in to watch the historic event unfold.
January 21, 2009
GHS trip doesn’t go as planned Last Thursday, Goshen High School government teacher Dana Mehl and four of her students marveled over the five inauguration tickets they held in their possession.
January 21, 2009
Brenneman calls in report from the scene As President Barack Obama stepped to the podium to take his oath of office Tuesday, the electricity that flowed through Goshen College was palpable.
January 21, 2009
Chief Justice Roberts stumbles over oath WASHINGTON — Chief Justice John Roberts stumbled slightly over the 35-word constitutionally prescribed oath of office as he swore in Barack Obama as the 44th president on Tuesday, sending the new chief executive into a verbal detour of his own.
January 21, 2009
History worth the 22-hour trip It is a little after 2:30 a.m. as I sit down to write this piece. Nick and I just got home from the inauguration.
January 21, 2009
In GOP-dominated area, event draws little fanfare History was unfolding on the television screen. At Scott’s Barber Shop, Paul and Lanny cut hair.
January 21, 2009
Left feet, long lines and loving celebs at balls Joe Biden wants to make one thing clear: He can’t dance.

Biden joked about his two left feet at multiple balls Tuesday night.
January 21, 2009
Many with inaugural tickets were turned away Having a ticket to history was no guarantee for many who hoped to see President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

At least 1,000 people who held tickets to the swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol could not get in.
January 21, 2009
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Brenneman calls in report from the scene

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