Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Inauguration Highlights from GRCF staff member and her son!

January 26^th, 2009

I asked Jonse Young and her 11 year old son Austin to write an entry in this blog about their experience attending President Obama's Inauguration. I will tell you to remember Austin's name as I am sure he will be a future President as he is a remarkable young man who is smart, happy and cares deeply about key issues!




Comments from Austin Young:

On January 14, 2009, my mom told me that we had tickets for the Inauguration. When I heard this I was so happy, excited, and jumping for joy about going to DC and being a part of President Elect-Barack Obama's Inauguration. I told my teachers and friends at school. I was so delighted to be a part of history.

So when we got there on Monday, I was even more excited, except for the fact that we just sat around the hotel that night. My mom told me we would need our energy for the next day. Boy was she right! Tuesday, the next day, January 20, 2009, we woke up really early to catch the Metro from College Park, MD to DC. When we got there it was amazing to see all the people and different sites, and even security. There were vendors and millions and millions of people there to share this historic event. I saw all ages, from babies in strollers to elders in wheelchairs!! I was awed and overjoyed!! Everything was beautiful. This trip was awesome, the best trip I've ever been on. It also helped me to realize more than ever before, that I too can someday, become President of the United States. Thanks mom!!

Austin James Young

Comments from Jonse Young:

Personal space was non-existent as millions of people gathered Tuesday, January 20, 2009, for the 56th Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies for President Elect-Barack Obama. Actually, I didn't mind because I wanted my 11 year old son, Austin, to witness this historical moment and we did just that. Chants of "Yes We Can", "Yes We Did", and "Barack Obama", resounded loudly throughout the Metro Stations and the DC area. What a great feeling! No violent acts, just hope, tears of joy, and excitement. Our original Inauguration Ceremonies Program and tickets will be cherished and preserved forever. Pictures captured will help to make a momentous scrap book that will be shared throughout our family for generations to come. Above is a picture of Austin and me walking from the Capitol. A live interview with Shelley Irwin, WGVU helped me to share my experience with listeners in the Grand Rapids area, such as my husband, Allen, who was unable to attend. I still cannot believe that I was actually there. President Obama, the first African American President, is a "Beacon of Hope" and has inspired me personally to do my part and help "Change" become a reality locally and abroad. "Yes We Can!"

Johngerlyn "Jonse" Young

P.S. Special thanks to Representative Vern Ehlers' office for the tickets to attend the Inauguration Ceremonies. Thanks Diana Sieger for allowing Austin and me to be guest bloggers blog. Thanks again Roberta King for the outdoor clothing that kept us very warm in bone chilling weather.


Thank you both!!! Diana