Students from across the country came to D.C. last week to participate in the inaugural events - some protesting, some supporting and others simply observing.
"It's a historical event that I'll probably only get to see once in a lifetime," said Carolyn McGrady, a senior psychology major at Notre Dame. "It's something that when you take American history you read about in the books, but you don't get an opportunity a lot like this. Whether you're against Bush or not, it's just a great opportunity to experience a piece of American history that you can tell your grandkids."
Though McGrady voted for Bush and had done some campaigning for him on her campus, she flew to D.C. simply to observe.
"It's kind of neat to see everyone come together whether they're pro or against because it just shows that people care either way, which is better than people just being apathetic toward the whole thing," she said. "I hope that eventually we can come to more of an agreement where people can start working together. Everyone has a common goal, like they'd like to get people back from Iraq. I just think we could be a lot more constructive rather than just yelling at one another."
McGrady and her friends had to wait more than two hours to get through security at the Judiciary Square Metro, while others said they didn't have any problems.
Marshall Korshak, a senior film and political science major at the University of Colorado, said he didn't have any problems getting through security, even with his equipment. Korshak attended the parade in order to make a film expressing views he thinks need to be heard.
"We're here making a documentary on the inauguration and college students' dissatisfaction with the election," Korshak said. The 22-year-old flew four hours and missed three days of classes to be able to film at the inauguration, but he said most of his professors were supportive of his ambitions.
"It's great to be here and see all the anti-Bush supporters here, and it's nice to come and see that as opposed to just seeing one side of the politics," he said. "It's good to see that even though the Democrats lost, they still have the motivation to stay politically active."
Korshak worked for the League of Pissed Off Voters and is making the documentary for himself and because he's in a club called Politics in Film at his college.
Yet while Korshak aimed his camera, Ashley Romesberg, a first-year cadet at the West Point military academy, balanced her rifle just a few yards away.
Romesberg, an 18-year-old from western Pennsylvania, was one of 95 cadets selected to march in Thursday's parade.
"Participating in the inaugural parade will always be one of my favorite memories of my time at the United States Military Academy. Since this event only happens once every four years, it was the only chance that anyone here would have to march as a cadet," Romesberg said. "I feel honored to have been able to do it."
Romesberg began marching right in front of Korshak and other protesters.
"I personally did not agree with what the protesters were saying, but I respect their right to protest," said Romesberg, who voted for Bush. "I think what they have to realize is that soldiers are fighting for that right to protest."
"I'm not really sure how I personally will be affected, but he is the Commander in Chief and I will follow his orders," she said.
Romesberg was able to see the man she voted for when the cadets passed his reviewing stand and executed the "eyes left," she said. However, she did not get to see her parents, Carrie and Donald Romesberg, who traveled to D.C. to watch her march.
"But I knew they were there because I heard my mom cheering when we marched past," Romesberg said.
The voice of Carrie Romesberg was certainly one of many filling the air and struggling to be heard around the capital on Thursday.
