January 20, 2009

I hope everyone at home, at school, at work, any place in the state and nation could stop and pay attention.

I wish some way, some how, it could be announced that:

"all students and parents who will not be in school, should create one artifact that commemorates this event. This is your history, english, social studies, and art homework and "no day" assignment!"

Make a collage, cut out pictures, draw something, cut out words from magazines that inspire you, write a paragraph, tell a story, take a picture of you, your family, your friends, spin an opinion, make a music mix...

"Just make some type of personal response to this historic and peaceful transfer of power in the leadership of the government of the United States...

"The artifacts you create today will teach your children in years to come."

Here are a few comments sent today from readers (please send me yours):

B.......I agree with you 100%. I've often thought how remarkable it is that in this great nation of ours we do this peacefully every four years. In spite of our many differences, we respect the constitutional mandates, and no one tries to change it.

No one riots in the streets if the election doesn't go to suit his ideology; no one tries to use military force to try to hold onto power that is no longer his; and, like it or not, people go along with the transfer as outlined in our constitution.

We truly do live in a remarkable country. There has never been another like it. Even if people don't do any of the things you suggested, I hope that everyone will at least use this "no day" to watch history unfold on television. Peace and Hope to all of us!

from.... L...WHS ALUM... Class of 03......from DC on the mall today!.....


From N....is especially proud today to be a citizen of the United States of America.

From E....WHS Alum ...Class of '97.....

From K....WHS Alum Class of 86....This poem resonated with me about today:

Success:

To laugh often and much;

to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;

to leave the world a bit better,

whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;

to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

from G... WHS Alum.. Class of 93...

My 7-year-old son and mother baked an Obama cake to commemorate this day. I can hardly wait. ;-) Great assignment! Thanks :-)