Just got back from my very first presidential inauguration ceremony and felt like I was in the movie, The American President. Well, subtract Annette Benning and Kevin Cline, it still had a very glamorous feel. I was sitting in the V.I.P. section 12 of the audience with all of the fur-frocked ladies of the south. The mood in that roped off section was subdued and surprisingly peaceful. With the exception of a “hee-haw!” at the mention of Tom DeLay and a solitary, but perfectly timed “boo!” at the mention of Nancy Pelosi, the celebrants were less “celebratory” than I had expected. The ski-jacket clad masses on the outside of the barricade were, on the other hand, much more vocal and excited to catch a glimpse of their President even if it was only on the jumbo tron. Despite the distraction of a few solitary protestors, I watched every person around me bow their heads at the prayers and listen intently to the President’s speech. Each person seemed encouraged and somehow proud of George W. Bush’s words because he spoke to us as his fellow citizens. Perhaps the most moving aspect was the support the ceremony gave to the brave men and women in the military. I was quite moved by a young, legless marine, being wheeled through the security tent by his mother. He had suffered for his country and was there to see his commander in-chief report for duty for four more years. I hope he knew that the nation and the President were bowing their heads in prayer for him and for what he represents–the sacrifice made for the gift of freedom.