A Day of Historical Importance

What a wonderful day in the history of the United States! I will openly admit that I did not cast my vote for our new President, but that does not in any way negate the fact that he is our country's Commander in Chief. It also does not change the fact that today is a historical day for our country. Whether or not President Obama was my personal choice, I have the opportunity to witness the first African-American President take office and lead our great nation.
I was not able to watch the Inauguration this morning because I had to work, but I did record it (how wonderful is DVR?) to watch it tonight. Connor watched it at my parent's house (he was home from school sick today) and Aidan was able to watch it at school. How wonderful that we live in this age of technology that allows each of us to witness today's events if we so desire.
So as I was driving to work this morning, I began to think about how much of history I have witness in my short life. I mean, I am almost 36, (which, by the way, I do not consider old) and I have lived in a democratic country my entire life! During my reflection, I was reminded that we each have a different view of history and we each have our very own history. For me, my own history includes events such as my wedding, the birth of each of my children, and my graduation from HSU among many other events. Of course I also remember events such as the space shuttle "Challenger" exploding and the Twin Towers being blown up on September 11, 2001. Some historical events are joyous and some not so much. Nonetheless, each of these events help to form us, as individuals, as families, as towns, cities, counties, states and countries, and these events help to form us as a society as a whole.
As I took this time to reflect today, I was again reminded of just how grateful I truly am to live in this great land of freedom! I am able to vote for the candidate that I want to vote for, without the fear of persecution or physical harm, I am able to voice my opinion without repercussion, and I am able to choose how and where I will worship without fear of having to hide or flee because of that choice. How truly blessed I am! I have a rich history, both my own personal history and that of the world around me.
I AM TRULY GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN A WITNESS TO HISTORY TODAY!