History through my eyes

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Conchita Floyd
  • 94th Communications Flight
DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. --  As I boarded the bus bound for the 2009 Inauguration, all I could think about was that 'History is about to be made and I will be there to witness this great moment in time.' 

As I reflected on past marches and other large gatherings, I had no idea of the impact of being a part of such a crowd would have on me. As I became a part of the massive crowds on the Metrorail train to the streets in Washington D.C. to the Inauguration itself, for once standing in long lines did not matter to me at all. I was just so excited to be there. 

Although, I did not have a ticket, I actually enjoyed being amongst the crowd, meeting and talking to all of those around me. They came from all parts of the world and the atmosphere was so peaceful and joyous. As I stood there praying and enjoying the moment, tears came to my eyes as I witnessed Barack Obama become the first African American to become President of the United States. 

We were hugging complete strangers, but did not care, we were all in accordance that the negative past can now move forward to a positive future. At that very moment, I heard so many around me saying, 'I am so glad to be an American." These were words you rarely heard anymore, but they gave me chills. 

That not only as a citizen, but as Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors we are winning back our country and securing the citizens trust in us as Americans. I could not imagine being any other place in the world at that very moment.