The view from the bus: 'Something I'll always cherish'

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When the bus arrives at its destination, it’s pitch black and ice cold outside. The temperature is in the mid 30s, according to a volunteer who boards to greet the passengers, but the wind chill is 20.

Undeterred, most of the group get off the bus; a few stay on to catch some extra zzzz’s. Those ready to start their day join in a final prayer before plunging into the ocean of people rolling toward the National Mall, where the general public will be able to view the swearing-in ceremony from a series of jumbotron televisions.

The time is about 5 a.m. The next seven hours will be a test of fortitude filled with walking, waiting and warding off frostbite.

“I’m trying not to think about being cold,” Sylvia Coles, 57, of Lynchburg, said at one point.

“Just think of Hawaii,” joked Jackie Booker, 45, of Madison Heights, breaking out into a little hula dance.

Coles had a different remedy in mind. “Once Obama takes that oath, I’ll forget about the cold,” she said.

By the time the sun rises, the mall is swarming with people.

“I ain’t never seen that many people in my whole life,” exclaimed passenger Lucky Stamps.

Eager Obama supporters waited hours until the swearing-in festivities formally began at 10 a.m. and longer still until Obama’s oath and speech — the main attractions — started around noon.

Looking well-rested — a bus rider had noted the new president looked tired on CNN the day before — Obama took to the stage and spoke of America’s future and the need for all citizens to band together to ensure the country’s success.

“Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested, we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back, nor did we falter,” he said, his voice reverberating through half a dozen speak-ers, creating an echo that resounded throughout the entire Mall.

This call to action would be one of things Cynthia Hurt, 42, of Lynchburg, would remember best when the riders regrouped later and prepared to return home.

“He talked about how it was going to take all of us to make this change successfully, that it was not just he who was going to do it,” she said, calling it inspiring. “He included all of us. … We all have a part to play.”

Hurt, attending her first inauguration celebration, said today’s memories were something she hoped to one day tell to her children, and her children’s children.

“This is something I’ll always cherish,” she said. “I’ll tell them it’s true … if you just believe and hold onto your faith, your dreams can come true.”

She stared off into the distance a moment as she pondered that idea. Then she smiled and shook her head. “That’s just wild.”

Posted at 7 a.m.

Outside in the darkened parking lot of the Wal-Mart on Wards Road, the time is nearly 10 p.m. The bus, as Cheryl Glass quickly notes, is late.

“(The driver) called and said the devil has been busy today,” Glass says. “But she’s 10 minutes away. Something must have happened. She’s never late.”

No matter. Nothing can dampen the spirits of this growing crowd of President-elect Barack Obama supporters, all bound for today’s inauguration celebration in Washington, D.C. As the predominantly black group gathers in the crisp night air, people begin chattering excitedly about the day that lies before them.

Ten hours later, around 8 a.m., they would reach their destination and stand shoulder to shoulder on the National Mall with the thousands upon thousands of others awaiting the event.

“This is a life-changing experience for me,” says Gardean Fleshman, 52, of Lynchburg. “Everyone’s been saying we didn’t think we would see this in our lifetime.”

The bus arrives in due time, and people pile on with bags, blankets and pillows in hand.

As bodies start filling seats, it becomes clear the bus is a few supporters over its limit.

“I’m so sorry, but these seats have already been taken,” Glass, one of the trip organizers, shouts out. “The seats have already been paid for.”

As she passes by, she whispers in disbelief, “There was another bus that canceled and people started getting on our bus.”

A few minutes later, the confusion is cleared up and all the proper riders are settled in. Ready to depart, they take a moment and bow their heads in prayer.

“When we come back, we want to take everything we’ve seen and everything that’s inspired us back to our community and make a difference,” says the Rev. James Coleman, who was picked last year to give the invocation at Obama’s campaign appearance in Lynchburg.

The bus, filled to capacity with 47 people, pulls out of the parking lot. After making a quick stop to fill up the gas tank, the trip is officially under way.

Bound for D.C. and a history-making event, the group crosses over the city limits at 10:53 p.m. Their scheduled arrival time is 4:30 a.m.

For a moment, the darkened bus is silent. Then a chorus of voices from the back breaks out into a hymn.

“Oh Lord,” they sing, “how excellent. How excellent.”