by Bianca Strzalkowski
My first inauguration experience wasn’t what I was expecting.
I have attended many change of command ceremonies full of formality and uniformity. This felt somewhat messy, almost chaotic, but not necessarily in a negative sense.
There were thousands and thousands of people on foot trying to make their way to see and hear the ceremony. It made me proud that so many — of diverse age and race — wanted to participate in the day. It was important to them, each for different reasons.
Some came with the utmost enthusiasm covered in “Make America Great Again” gear, others wore signs that said “Never My President.” While some may have interpreted this as division, I viewed it as what America is supposed to be about.
I got to see up close what an authentic free society looks like. I was able to hear for myself that yes, our country has very mixed feelings about a nation under President Trump, but I also got to hear people share their viewpoints in whatever manner they choose.
What is more American than that?
