1/21/09

Interesting day...


Yesterday was an interesting day for an expat' living in the USA. I got to see my first Presidential Inauguration as a citizen, I was especially blessed to see it through the eyes of future generations. Our school, like most, had the main event of the day broadcasting in all classrooms. There were differing levels of interest depending on the age group, but they were all told they were watching history in the making. We were a little distracted though, as unfortunately we are still fighting a losing battle with an especially stubborn stomach virus at school.

As for my thoughts, well pride and emotion, plus I couldn't help thinking it was the closest thing you have to a Royal event! It just had that whole pageantry feel about it, which was kind of a surprise for someone from a much more ancient country!

Of course this may have been in part because the song Aretha did 'My country 'tis of thee', quite bizarrely shares the same tune as our national anthem, 'God Save The Queen'! Everytime I hear it here, I get the urge to protest, stand up and start singing "God Save the Queen" instead.

I have to comment on the fashions; loved Aretha's cute hat, Michelle looked so stylish and elegant in both outfits, their girls looked adorable and so excited, but who was the man at the Capitol in the strange red hat and did anyone ever see Oprah!?

Loved the very humanising attack of nerves and jumbled words the Chief Justice had with the Presidential oath. The President waiting for him to realise, put me in mind of Four Weddings and a Funeral, when Rowan Atkinson as the vicar totally fluffs the vows and the groom patiently corrects him!

All in all it was a great and joyous day, my mum even emailed me to say they had all been watching and also found it both impressive and emotional. So a new day dawns for us all, I just hope President Obama has a better first day in his new job than I did in mine. Anyone remember the kitchen flooding, the unscheduled fire drill and numerous things breaking down!

10 comments:

Pam said...

It was definitely fun and interesting to watch, probably one of the closest things we get to English style pageantry.

Nancy said...

I'm not surprised our songs are linked, as our countries are linked in so many ways. Most of my ancestors are from England, as are my husband's. Some things are just in our genes. (I love milk in my tea.) I say "telly" even thought I have no idea why. I am absolutely obsessed with the Tudor era. Maybe in another life...?

Tess Kincaid said...

I loved hearing your thoughts on the day. There were lots of smiles and tears here at the Manor. I feel exhausted today, as if I had been there myself!

Unknown said...

it was an amazing day to say the least...

I am visiting all the blogs nom'd for the 2008 Okie Blog awards...just wanted to say CONGRATS on your nom!!!
http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html

Anonymous said...

I dug into this question after blogging about it today--quite a number of songs, both national anthems for a number of countries but also some hymns--share that particular tune!

George said...

I'm glad you found the day interesting. My late wife came to this country from Hungary and was intrigued by uor inaugurals.

Winifred said...

Sorry this is a bit off tack, I didn't see the inauguration but I heard the song from another room. Awful!

Hope the presidency is better.

I think we should change our national anthem, God Save the Queen is boring. If you watch at ceremonies hardly anyone ever sings the words, unlike most other countries.

Almost American said...

I must've missed a blogspot - you were sworn in as a citizen already?

I blogged about My Country 'Tis of Thee, and how I confused my daughter by teaching her the 'other' words, a while ago.

Snippety Gibbet said...

I think that every blog pal I have in other countries said that they watched the inauguration, and were full of hope and joy. Amazing.

Andrew said...

This was my first inauguration as a new American too. What a day!