We have been present at TWO!
Getting to the first felt like a ride to glory.
Being at the second–especially for me, a Brit at the party–was an enormous privilege.
Four years ago this week, Meredith walked into the VIP area just below the podium, turned round, looked down the mall and burst into tears.
It was solid people as far as the eye could see.
A moment to savor for Meredith, who had worked her heart out– first for John Kerry, then for Barack Obama.
Especially poignant because four years earlier, at Barack Obama’s first inauguration, she had a purple ticket–and got caught up in the notorious Purple Ticket Scandal, when thousands were blocked from getting in because the security arrangements broke down.
A bitterly disappointed Meredith sat on the stoop of our hosts’ house and wept–tears of frustration this time.
“Disappointing for me,” she said later, “devastating for the thousands of African Americans who had waited lifetimes to see a black president inaugurated.”
It had started so well.
The train journey from New York’s Penn Station to Washington’s Union Station turned into the most joyous ride I have ever been on.
The train was packed–not a seat to be had–and we all shared a single destination–we were headed to the promised land!
As we settled in our seats, the voices wafting across the aisle were unmistakably Irish; they belonged to a group of youngish men carrying guitar cases.
I whispered to Meredith,
“I think that’s an Irish band”
“Great. I hope you are going to play, guys!”
“We’ve just come from playing our hit song on the TODAY Show this morning.
There’s No One As Irish As Barack O’bama.”
Pause…
“You wouldn’t be the Corrigan Brothers by any chance?”
The title had caught Meredith’s eye on the Internet back home–and the song had made her laugh.
“Hey boys, we’ve been recognized! This is Brian and Donnacha and I’m Ger.”‘
“Hello, I’m Meredith.” Another pause….
“You wouldn’t be Meredith Wheeler by any chance?”
She says at that point, the ears FELL OFF my head!
To Meredith’s astonishment and delight, they had been following The Obama Bridge Project that she’d been leading for months.
It was a brilliant scheme to promote Barack Obama’s bid for the Presidency.
Photos of Obama supporters holding banners on bridges large and small, iconic and unknown all over the world.
Viaduct of Millau. Meredith in the middle with the Liberty head-dress.
The idea being that Obama–with his international heritage and mixed race background–had the potential to bridge divides and be a symbol of HOPE.
The Corrigan band were traveling with Obama’s Irish cousin (eight times removed!), Henry Healy from Moneygall in County Offaly–who said he’d been invited to the inauguration. His trip was being filmed by a documentary film crew from Ireland.
The band played the whole of the three-hour journey and we arrived in Washington feeling that the party had begun!
Four years later we were in Washington D.C. for Obama’s second inauguration, almost on “spec”.
Meredith was hoping to pick up a ticket from the Democrats Abroad allocation–but nothing was guaranteed.
We stayed with our friends Irv and Iris Molotsky.
On the wall of their sitting room is a photo of them sitting within throwing distance of the podium at Barack Obama’a first Inauguration in 2009.
For years Irv was The New York Times Washington correspondent and although retired now, he still keeps his contacts on the inside.
A couple of days before the event, Irv went to pick up his tickets from the Congressional Press Office at the Capitol Building. He invited me along.
I had never been inside the building and eagerly accepted.
Meredith joined us and thanks to Irv’s friends in the press offices of the Senate and the House, we were treated to a tour of both houses of Congress.
Standing in the press gallery of the House of Representatives sent shivers down my back.
In the private behind-the-scene press office, abolitionist and supporter of women’s suffrage, Frederick Douglas is still remembered–the first African American nominated for Vice President of the United States. The passing of the 13th amendment–abolishing slavery–happened in the space below us on 31st January 1865,
In two days time–January 20th, 2013, the second Inauguration of a black President would take place.
And as it turned out, we witnessed it at close hand.
Irv’s friends came up trumps (whoops!) and found us seats in the row seven–next to Irv and Iris–(two rows behind Stevie Wonder and just in front of Katie Perry!).
It felt like touching history.
Indeed–an enormous privilege.
We attended both Barack Obama’s inaugurations.
He will be missed.
Robin Ellis 
Wow..just wow. May your memories of the wonderful President who was Barack Obama sustain you through the days ahead.
Thanks to Meredith for all of her work! The Obamas will be severely missed indeed. Let’s remember that almost 3 million more people voted for Hillary than for The Donald. My husband would say, “The American eagle needs both a right and a left wing to fly straight.” I just wish compromise was not a dirty word. But there are SOME issues we should never compromise on – like equality.
What a wonderful story and life long memories to treasure.
Elizabeth van Oosten Circle of Light
Thanks for this, Robin. This reminds me that good things can happen, no matter how bleak the future looks now. Knowing that people like Meredith, with you by her side, are fighting the good fight, gives me hope. Love from Polly Wessel.
Hi Polly. I picked up some white beans from Viterbo while in Rome and we had them in soup tonight!–thanks for the introduction.
THANK YOU MEREDITH AND ROBIN
DEFINETLY NEEDED THAT BLAST FROM THE PAST
It is so troubling what is ahead of us … he will sorely be missed … he was not valued by so many, he succeeded in the face of historic unprecedented opposition at every turn. that was scandalous. What we have now is beyond the pale.
Oh how I love President Obama and his beautiful family. I shudder to think of Trump with the power afforded as president of the US. I will March with other women on Saturday.
Robin, What a wonderful story!!!! Such a privilege. Wonderful memories. I don’t hold out too much hope for this one today. Joan
Joan Ryan 11 Trade Street Newtown 2042 0416 194 228 joanpryan@yahoo.com
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They most assuredly be missed…….please cross your fingers for this country and the next four years. (I’m trying to be optimistic but it’s hard.)
Mary Eman
Hi Robin. Those are some great stories! We will really miss Mr. Obama. I have a couple of inauguration stories of my own. My late husband was in the US Army Band, and actually was a member of the Presidential Inaugural Committee for Clinton’s first inauguration. We got to go, and sit in the grandstand, which was a great honor. I have a program from the ceremony, as well. I also went with my children to view the parade a couple of other times. My husband also played with the band in 5 inaugural parades, and at several inaugural balls. I have souvenirs of the balls, too. Things will not be so joyous this time around.
You know exactly what it was like, Gene.
Looking at The Donald now he does not seem a very good choice for this position, not a politician, hardly a diplomat !!! but no one can see into the future so we don’t really know how it will turn out. As a reasonable person I have to say the only think to do is to give him a chance, after all, he was voted into this position by the people .. and it might be a right or a wrong system of voting .. but it is the accepted American way of voting. Lets just wait and see. There were also Presidents in the past that had a great following and didn’t do so well .. and ones who were not very populour at all and did quite well in the end … only time will tell and we hope for the best. The Obama’s where a classy family though and he was certainly a clever man and a diplomat, just blocked at every turn.
Yes. Obama left a nation solvent, smaller unemployment rate (f not made up of good jobs for many), with health for millions, and achievements through executive orders. Trump and his gang are set to roll back even the achievements of FDR. Lawless and unaccountable, shameless is what he and they have been since November 8th, which he did not get the majority vote in — and many didn’t vote. A sad and frightening future lies ahead.
I enjoyed the blog and your memories.
What a lovely story, Robin. I had never heard the expression “My ears fell off my head”, and I got a kick out of that. Thank you for sharing. Chairs!
Really enjoyed reading your post Robin. Best wishes for all my American family and friends for the future xx
Great story Robin and a little bit sad. I’m in Australia and we are terribly worried about it all here too.
I so miss being in Washington during inauguration – when I was part of the floral design team at The Mayflower Hotel we were always so crazy- busy – it was thrilling being a tiny part of everything . We met so many people simply because we were in charge of flowers in their rooms – including Pres. Clinton’s mother , V.P. Gore’s parents, all the Rodham brothers ( a booze fest) . And I remember helping plan an event with the Rose Law firm for Hillary Clinton , such memories .
I’m so happy to hear that you and Meredith attended both Obama inaugurations! Yes, Barack and Michelle Obama will be greatly missed – more than even words can say. My husband and I are fearful what the next four years will bring. I hope this tide of isolationism and far right conservatism will not spread through Europe.
I am not familiar with the purple ticket scandal. What happened?
Wonderful words and a story that will stay with you both forever. Washington DC is a beautiful and wonderful place to visit. I cry when I go and see all the historic places and I cry now as to what will happen to my country . This is not a time to joke but I saw something on face book and I must repeat it. Queen Elizabeth said that if Trump won that she will take us all back to the mother country and I think that sounds like a good idea.I do not think I will be watching Friday. I have never felt this way before and I do pray for a better America . We can only hope . Thank you for your memories of a better time.
Great stories, Robin! What wonderful experiences (aside from the purple ticket!)! Meredith, I didn’t realize you worked for John Kerry–one of our local heroes! If only we could go back in time.
We continue to be disheartened with every news story… Our relatives & friends in Poland, Germany, and North Africa are wondering how we could’ve EVER elected this KOOK, and are fearful of what might happen to the world order. (Can you tell me WHY, if Obama’s popularity ratings are so high, why the hell did people vote “for change” just a few weeks ago?! We’re gonna GET change, all right!) The cabinet nominations are LUDICROUS. Today, they were filibustering so they didn’t have to answer any REAL questions. Consequently, I’ve given up on worrying about the environment, climate change, and guns in school (“for killing grizzlies”–?!) Anyway, after hearing the latest about N. Korea’s ICBMs, I figure it’ll be all over before we even know it ‘cuz our Fearless Fake Leader will be too busy Tweeting to heed any warnings from the military or the CIA!!
We are just SO, SO disgusted. And truthfully, afraid. I’ll be wearing black tomorrow for our National Day of Mourning.
What epic events you’ve described. The few times I’ve been in Washington DC have been momentous for me. I remember getting chills down my spine in 1966 when I went for the first time. I was fortunate to experience an “insiders” look at our nation’s history from a well connected friend of my parents. I was thrilled in 2009 and again in 2013, to be witnessing history, with President Obama’s Inauguration. Now for the next _#__ of years we MUST take “baby steps” and huge strides to keep the goals of justice, fairness, tolerance, equality, civility ALWAYS in our sights. I am participating this Saturday, here in Los Angeles with friends, on the Women’s March. Thank you both for your beautiful and sensitive insights.
Anne Epstein
As always Robin, your stories have the ability to ‘hit home’ Thank you for sharing this extraordinary account . Indeed- he will be missed.
Fran Shaw
Thanks for sharing these stories … how great to be able to participate in these events in the ways you described.
Yes, he will be missed. Feeling melancholy right now about what is, and what is to come for the immediate future …
Somehow we have to find a way to redistrict in an effective way at the local level, so that gerrymandering and the Electoral College do not so hideously distort our national politics any further.Unfortunately I think this will take quite some time and effort, and in the meantime who knows what will happen ?
Anyway, thanks for your latest post, especially the anedcote about the Irish band and your wife , Meredith.
Respect the past with thanks.
But!Looking forward with prayers to make America great again.
So need it.
May God bless us all.
I agree! Let’s make America great again!!
Thank you, Robin and Meredith. I’m heartened that you are with us in spirit. A sense of community across all our bridges will help us through this challenge.
Thank you Robin & Meredith.
Dear meredith, Dear Robin I’M VERY HAPY forYOU 🙂 Francesco from Italy
What a heart-warming story on this very sad day. Despite the current troubles with the NHS I can’t but worry about many of the 20m people that Obama has brought within the US health system who now face a terrible future (and in some cases no future) if this uncaring administration has its way.
Hi Piers–agree absolutely.
Happy New Year to you and carol–anyway!
SO enjoyed reading about your exploits in Washington, Robin and huge kudos to Meredith for her part in the Bridge scheme – it sounded great – wish I ‘d known about it at the time here in Devon! The Obamas will be very sorely missed – if he’d had the support of Democrats in both houses, his presidency would have achieved greatness but he was stymied at every turn. I too, will be wearing black today, but with a white scarf for ‘hope’, as that is all we can wish for at the moment. It’s going to be a very rocky ride, I suspect, not just for the US but for us all.
Ah, Mary–all those brown uniforms on the 210 bus from Golders Green! Did you know Susan Vaughan?
Indeed I did – Sue and I were in the same class and best buddies for a while. Those brown uniforms were awful, weren’t they. We used to call our winter coats ‘Hitler Youth Coats’! Su and I also acted a bit together too. There was one time we were doing Britten’s ‘Noyes’ Fludde’ in St Michaels’ Church and we had to walk back to school in our costumes which caused much amusement amongst the locals!!
I remember going with her to see you in a school play at Highgate, but can’t remember now whether you were Lear or Prospero. All I can remember was thinking you were bloomin’ good. The acting gene skipped a generation in my family and it’s my 16 year old grand-daughter who is Shakespeare mad. See the website for The Inn Theatre Company in Dartmouth Devon. She’s going to be Miranda in The Tempest this year with their Touring Company and is also assistant Director for Othello, their main production. I envy you living in the south of France, although we live in a beautiful part of the UK. I spent a lot of my teenage holidays in Provence which I adored.
It was good to catch sight of you in the new Poldark – are you in the next part too?
Not many people can say they saw my Prospero! It is lovely to be reminded of those days. How exciting to read that your granddaughter has a passion for Shakespeare. Passion is what you need if you aim to be an actor. If you are still in contact with Sue please say Hi! from me.
Sorry, Robin, I lost touch with Sue a very long time ago. We did once have a chat on the phone, probably about 35 years ago, but it was a rather strained conversation and she didn’t sound very happy. I’ve heard nothing of or from her since then.
Thanks, Mary.
What a good story – not once, but twice! President Obama will be sorely missed – what a great man, no scandals, no histrionics…fully supported by his wife. I know I shouldn’t comment on the choice our some of our American friends have made BUT WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?!?. Whoops, my big mouth again. I fervently wish President Trump all the very best, together with the US nation, and the rest of the world. History will show if it was a good choice.
Very generous of you, Carol!
Democracy only works with an informed public. Half of America WASN’T thinking, Carol. No, wait–I should say, LESS than half wasn’t thinking. But still, here we are… Now we pay.
I greatly enjoyed your stories and your adventures in Washington, DC. My daughter, Meredith, is going to be in Washington, DC as part of a Women’s March for women’s rights tomorrow. I am proud Meredith is doing this but I asked that she keep away from any aggressive groups….I don’t want to see on television that the Women’s March was disruptive & arrested. LOL
This has been a difficult election for me. I have always backed our Presidents but this hasn’t been the case for me this time. It is quite an adjustment.
My Meredith is at a demo in Toulouse tomorrow. Good luck and congrats to yours!
Yes, he will! Trump is 180 degrees different and disappointing to me. Meredith, thank you for all your work in previous elections. You were important to impacting the history of our country.
Always a joy to find a Robin Ellis post in the morning, but especially this one. Lucky, lucky you to attend both Obama inaugurations. I had to satisfy myself with TV viewing – and a bottle of Champagne. This time I’ll find other ways to occupy myself, trying not to think about the next four years. We’ve been so fortunate to have a wise, caring, humane leader in the White House these past 8 years. I just regret that Congress stymied him in several important matters — e.g., closing Guantanamo and blocking Garland’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Still, he accomplished miracles in reviving the economy and getting new health care legislation passed. I’ll enjoy re-reading this post and looking at the pictures for days to come.
Thanks for sharing your Obama memories,
Nancy
New Mexico
Nice to read this, Nancy–thanks.
I had planned on being in D.C. today come Hell or high water for Hillary’s inauguration. I’ll be there instead to march.
I’m keeping on my reps to make sure that Putin’s Puppet is impeached. One of the pundits who said he’d win the election also predicted he’d be impeached within a year. That needs to happen.
No news for me today. I’ll be looking back on the past eight years instead and be thankful for the Dow Jones Index rising from 7,949 on his first day in office to 19,821 today. I’ll be thankful that my gay friends can get married anywhere in this country. i’ll be thankful for the much lower unemployment rate.
I’ll be thankful for the man who embodied class and decency: Barack Obama, as well as Joe Biden and Hillary and Bill Clinton, too. Their work goes on. So does mine.
Thank you for this, Patricia.
Hear! Hear! My sentiments exactly.
Nancy, Santa Fe
Thanks for sharing this Robin. Hope into despair – sad day here in the states.
Yes, Randi–a difficult day for the World.
What a wonderful story. I was privileged to work for Vice-president Biden. With Obama we had a feeling of security and hope, with Biden we had his great knowledge. A winning combination.
What a great memory for you, Virginie.
I am very happy that we have a new President. I did vote for Obama twice, so disappointed where he led America. Me being a Jew I believe Obama did not support Israel, he leans towards the Islamic beliefs. I became a Republican and voted for Mr. Trump. Sorry your wife was not able to get in.Oh! God willing I am planning on coming to Europe this coming October, I would enjoy meeting you and your wife.Kind regards,Karen Stines
Karen, If I was Robin and Meredith, after that remark I would be disinclined to meet you. Aloha and kind regards, Ann R
Obama and his amazing wife, Michelle, will indeed be missed. My heart goes out to America on this sad day.
Thank you for reminding me of the greatness of our system by seeing it with British eyes. I’m in mourning today because of the character of the man we’ve elected, but I still believe in the office of president. America will pull through. Maybe we’ll even learn to get along with each other.
Make no mistake, what occurred today was a total tragedy for our country. For 8 years Republicans did everything they could to destroy a good man and, most disgusting of all, his beautiful family. Trump has the intellect of a toddler and he and rest of the Republican nincompoops will do their best to ruin us and the rest of the world. We MUST resist.
This personal poli-travelogue is great. Obama is a legend and hopefully continues his influence from outside. I’d give a penny for his thoughts on the White House experience and not running again.
Maybe the current freckle on the landscape will inadvertently result in good changes if only in reaction to what he comes out with. We are obsessed with appearance, image, looks, style, photogenics. He is malleable in his state.
Worse are those in the ‘Old World’ still in power whose evil lays low in their core but spin a handsome story.
Until defense expenditures attach a requirement for positive contributions towards harmony in the world we live by the warlords. If you build technology based on hate and fear it produces such. Remember the statue of liberty from France? Meredith can you convince Kerry? The best defense is giving or building something decent. Even Lego.
Until the journalists, governments, and people untangle the roots and reasons for terror and retaliation to strike a changed approach, the same will rumble on over an accumulated past. If you have countries with armaments and war technology as their highest exports that continue to spew out destruction and small countries whose governments retain power by gathering intelligence and creating discord, the world remains dark.
We must demand more of our diplomats. They fail us.
Individuals must also take responsibility. Each choice makes a difference in who they work for, what they do or don’t say, and how they live their lives. Having money is nothing when compared to dignity, interests, and knowledge.
“Current freckle” is good except I’m rather fond of freckles and this patch is a stain!
Robin, I greatly enjoy reading your food blogs. It is also fun hearing about your and Meredith’s trips to the U.S. Thank you, Marilu Ellis
Thanks Marilu–a member of the vast Ellis clan!
I hope we’ll all be celebrating like that again after the November election! #neverlosehope #blueunity2020 #yeswewill