Waking up this morning, I knew that today was going to be a day that would be forever remembered in American history. It was.At the morning breakfast, there was an energy in the room; the left over effects of the drama and speeches of the evening prior. Everyone was talking about what happened last night and what we expected today in the stadium. We were finally at that point where the nominations were settled and all that was left was the final acceptance speech to be given by Barack Obama. There was no going to the caucuses today. After breakfast, there was a photograph taken of our 2008 North Carolina Democratic Delegation and we went right back to the room to rest and conserve the energy that would be required of us later that night.
At about noon, everyone started loading onto the buses that would take us to Invesco Field where the acceptance speech was to be delivered. When we arrived, I surveyed the scene trying to absorb everything. It was a little warm outside, but nothing like the oppressive N.C. humidity. The Denver cityscape was in the distance as well as the Rocky Mountains. The setting could not have been more impressive. I thought to myself, so many people have sacrificed so much in order for us to have reached this moment on the mountain. Silently, I thanked all who gave so much in order for me to witness and be a part of this historic event. I was humbled to be one of the few chosen to behold it with my own eyes.
The stadium was abuzz when we got inside. there were vendors selling all types of Obama paraphenalia and folks were talking about how excited they were to hear the acceptance speech. We found our way to our seats on the field that were set aside for North Carolina. I set my things down and staked out a location that I thought would afford me the best view.
After I sat my things down, I just looked around and tried to saturate myself in the moment. I was here. It was still a little unbelievable that I was actually at a moment in time that, without question, demonstrated America's continuing alignment to it's ideals; The ideals of democracy, freedom, equality and justice. Men and women of every color, and from every cultural and ethnic background were in attendance. It was the ultimate display of America's diversity and it's future. For me, this collection of humanity showed the fullest potential of what this great nation is all about. This was the edge of a new America, a new world.
The stage was incredible, it was like an arc designed with marble colored greek columns and architecture. The classical greek setting suggested we were a part of one of the world's greatest democracies, which of course we are. Some of the worlds greatest entertainers such as Stevie Wonder and Sheryl Crow performed songs. Guest speakers including Georgia Congressman John Lewis, and former Vice President Al Gore gave impassioned speeches about the future of our country.
He gave the audience an incredible speech. As I looked around at the crowd, I saw everyone focused on his message. He starting by speaking about the promise of America and the promise that each generation represents and how we must attend to that great promise. He talked about how the government has forgotten about the majority of the American people. "ENOUGH!!" he proclaimed. The ground shook and the echo reverberated throughout the stadium. It was like a commandment from the voice from beyond. He spoke about the failures of the Bush administration and how John McCain would be nothing more than a continuation of those same failures. He laid out exactly what he would do when he was elected President and how he would bring change to government. He talked about our need to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and our need to move toward energy independence. He pledged to address the pressing issues of education, health care, jobs and social security. He admonished John McCain and questioned his judgement for supporting a war that should have never been waged. He promised to protect our nation as commander in chief and reclaim our standing in the world. He asked that we all renew and accept responsibilty for each other and our common purpose. He reminded everyone that this election has never been about him and instead it was about us. Men and women were moved to tears. After the speech, you could feel the hope; the hope only change brings.
Before we left the stadium I looked around one last time. Fireworks exploded and confetti rained down from the night sky. It was surreal. At once, I knew that I had been a part of American history. I was renewed with a sense of hope and promise for the future of our nation and I looked forward to doing whatever I could to bring that potential to fruition.
Today, America made a significant step toward the future and the ideals that it represents. The future is now. It is finally our turn to make a new and better America.
Needless to say, the celebration lasted until the dawn's early light....
