Pike residents brave elements, witness history

WASHINGTON — Some describe it as a turning point in history, as an event when the country seems to stand still during a defining time. Tuesday was the inauguration of the nation’s 44th president, Barack Obama - the first African-American to hold the highest office in the land, at a time when the United States confronts challenges, in number and in scale, unprecedented in recent history. It was this moment, as the new President’s voice echoed across the national mall, the country and the world, when he addressed the nation for the first time shortly after the clock struck noon, that was simply too significant and historical to pass up for some Pike residents. Ryan Jameson, the 19 year-old county campaign chair for Mr. Obama’s Presidential bid, was one of some 2 million spectators to brave the large crowds and 20-degree weather to attend the inauguration. Jameson described the ceremony as “absolutely amazing” and “an unforgettable experience.” That is, he said, after seven layers of clothes, four pairs of socks and five hours of waiting on line. A campaign worker and organizer since shortly before the first primary, Jameson said, “It was a spectacular journey to see Obama grow over this period of time, from Iowa to the inauguration. It was so surreal finally seeing him take the oath of office; it brought tears to my eyes.” Jenna Ricker and Eric Langberg, like many other out-of-town attendees, took up residence on a friend’s floor for the inauguration. Both worked with Jameson on the campaign. Ricker said, “It was closure on something we worked so hard on for so long. We felt like a piece of this history belongs to us.” For Langberg, it is a story and experience he said he looks forward to sharing with his children and telling them, “I was there. ” A common thread between the three is a sense of ownership of the campaign’s success. “It awakened something in me and millions of others that we can get involved in so much more in civic life; this is a new beginning,” Ricker said — Nick Troiano