Inauguration Day, She Said: Peace Corps on Parade


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Last Updated on December 17, 2019 by Audrey Scott

Start: 5:30 AM. Finish: 7:00 PM. Time actually spent marching in the inaugural parade: 30 minutes. Was it all worth it?

You bet.

The possibility of participating in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade hadn’t even entered my mind two months ago. However, a series of well-timed and serendipitous events resulted in the inclusion of my name on a list of returned Peace Corps volunteers (RPCVs) who were to march in the parade. I was honored and humbled, both to represent the Peace Corps and to take part in this historic day.

And what a day it was.

Washington DC, US
Marching with the Peace Corps.

The Wait

At mid-morning, the buses carrying parade participants crossed from the Pentagon into Washington, DC near the Washington Monument. I choked back the day’s first tears amid tingles of history. People were literally walking from Virginia into the District of Columbia!

Roads were mobbed from all sides; crowds of all colors and ages cheered and waved to our passing buses. We turned the corner to a view of The National Mall. It was packed, and buzzed with an energy than defied the news reports. I gazed in disbelief at the sheer number of people who had come together in the freezing cold for this occasion.

As the swearing-in ceremony began, the Peace Corps contingent found itself in a holding tent with the hundreds of others in our second parade division. A line of Marines, perfectly upright, gathered around one of the television screens while high school marching band members milled about in restless energy. Everyone huddled for warmth.

There was something deeply symbolic in every facet of this shared moment: the ethnic diversity, the generational diversity, the variety of backgrounds and professions.

A wave of silence then overcame the tent – Barack Obama was taking the oath of office.

As Judge Roberts uttered “Congratulations, Mr. President,” a release of cheers broke the silence. In a moment of relief, disbelief and joy, a woman close by fought back tears, “I can’t believe it actually happened.”

She was not alone; the energy and emotion was palpable. I believe I even saw some of those Marines loosen their stance and break a smile.

The Main Event: Inaugural Parade

Time finally arrived for us to fall into formation. The parade was about to begin. I exited our tent and watched flag after flag emerge. The day’s brisk wind animated their vibrant colors. That sea of 139 flags, signifying the countries where Peace Corps has served since its founding in 1961, spoke of America’s sense of service to the world around us.

People Holding Flags - Washington DC
Getting into formation for the Inaugural Parade.

I could have stared at those flags for hours. Visually, it was beautiful. Emotionally, it was staggering.

Those flags stood for the tens of thousands of American Peace Corps volunteers who served across the world, from the tropical heat of Micronesia to the frigid cold of Estonia. Their movement spoke of a spirit of service that still lives – in returned volunteers, in those currently serving and in the ideals of those who will someday serve.

As we approached the beginning of the parade route, the sun disappeared behind the clouds, its strength waning with the day. In the bitter cold, marchers shuffled and bounced to keep warm, while others literally began to turn blue. Several times we all huddled together in the middle of the street in front of the National Archives to share body heat.

Huddling Together for Warmth - Washington DC
Huddling together for warmth before the Inaugural parade.

Those with internet access on their mobile phones broadcast news and video of the Obamas and Bidens walking down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Then came the call: time to march. I moved. My blood flowed. The adrenaline did too.

Although the parade route crowds had thinned, those that remained were excited. People cheered, waved, snapped photos and yelled out “Peace Corps!”

I heard shouts of “Thank you!!” and “Thank you, Peace Corps!!”

Cue another wave of emotion and choked tears.

Flags - Washington DC
The world in flags. 2009 Inaugural Parade.

Then there was the Presidential viewing stand. Dusk had descended. The Obamas and Bidens stood behind the bullet proof glass, lights shining down on them. They looked larger than life. As for the returned volunteers, we waved excitedly like children and couldn’t help but wear smiles, even if they were a bit tighter from the cold.

More importantly, the Obamas and Bidens appeared genuinely excited to see us! They waved, they smiled, they laughed.

It was just awesome.

President Obama seemed to exchange glances and gestures with one of the leaders of our contingent, Harris Wofford, a former senator from Pennsylvania and a key player in the establishment of the Peace Corps. It was clear from President Obama’s reaction that these men shared a personal connection and a mutual respect for one another.

Reflection

It was also clear that Peace Corps – tuned to the values of service, cultural understanding and international engagement – struck a chord not only with the leaders in the viewing stand, but also with the crowds.

Waving Flags - Washington DC
Celebrating Peace Corps and its work.

My conversations that day got me thinking about the collective experience and knowledge of all the Peace Corps volunteers (close to 200,000) that have served throughout the organization’s 48-year history. My thoughts then went to the network of people – the co-workers, students, and community members – that each volunteer worked with in his country of service and the ripple effect of those relationships.

As I watch footage of the parade, I’m struck by the beauty of all those flags from all of those countries, representing all those volunteers and the concept of Peace Corps, the whole of whose service is much greater than the sum of its parts.

A Lesson From the Past

A few flags did catch my eye in particular: Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.

Yes, Peace Corps volunteers once served in these countries. Today, the possibility of Peace Corps volunteers again serving there may seem distant to many. On inauguration day, however, their flags flew as a testament to what was – and remains – possible.

In considering whether these countries may one day find their way back onto the Peace Corps active service list, I also made note of the flags from countries that now enjoy independence, but not long ago found themselves part of the Soviet Union.

When John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in March 1961, the world was in the midst of the Cold War. Perhaps it was a pipe dream then to think that Peace Corps volunteers would ever serve in places like Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Turkmenistan or Ukraine.

Today, they do.

About Audrey Scott
Audrey Scott is a writer, storyteller, speaker and tourism development consultant. She aims to help turn people's fears into curiosity and connection. She harbors an obsession for artichokes and can bake a devastating pan of brownies. You can keep up with her adventures on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And you can learn more about her on the About Page and on LinkedIn.

14 thoughts on “Inauguration Day, She Said: Peace Corps on Parade”

  1. Thank you! You captured the experience quite well. I to was moved by diversity, the beauty, and the appreciative crowds. I served in Guatemala (88-90), but had an opportunity to carry the Sudanese flag. I was disappointed at first not to carry the Guatemalan flag, but then glad to have the opportunity to make a statement about Darfur.

    I tried to do some research into the Peace Corps activity in Sudan, but found very little. Apparently, there was only a pilot program there for a very short time in the early 1980s. Only 8 volunteers served there. I purchased an extra-large yellow shirt that I could wear over my jacket and painted large letters on the front and back with the slogan “Save Darfur!” Many people along the parade route took my photo and shouted support for the Peace Corps and for Darfur. Strangers were very appreciative to see us with our flags and me with my slogan. It warmed my heart and the tips of my fingers and toes, which just moments before the parade began had almost frozen off. Your photos are the only ones of me that I have so far of that momentous day. Thanks for your post.

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  2. Great photos! Definitely captured the vast amount of people, police officers and Obama merchandise! Can’t wait to hear your stories 🙂

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  3. Too bad Audrey could not walk with the “Audrey Here” circle during the parade so she could be more easily spotted on camera. Maybe an “Audrey Here” balloon, but that was probably not allowed.

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  4. Thank you Audrey for the touching account of your experience. I thought of you often that day, knowing you had to start so early. We were on the mall by 10:00 and froze til we finally took a room at the Red Roof Inn to get out of the cold at 4:00…then saw that the parade was still in progress! But like you, we agreed that it was definitely worth it just to be there! Today I heard the words “President Obama” on the radio and found myself smiling with delight.

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  5. It is so wonderful to see the Peace Corps pictures. Thank God for Ronald Reagan for making it possible for you to wave the Soviet Union flag. His undoing of the cold war made that possible. God bless, and keep up the hard work.
    Patti Williamson
    Richmond, Virginia

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  6. Hi Audry, just left a message in your fb page, thanks for your details. it has been quiet a day. the pictures are awesome. hope to see you soon dear. Maryam

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  7. I am so happy for what you’ve experienced that historical day. And you definitely deserved being there 🙂 and pictures are very very beautiful!

    A.

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  8. Audrey, this is a great telling of the story of that day! As an Iran RPCV and the bearer of the Iran flag, I deeply appreciate your comments about Iran as a former Peace Corps country. It’s a country that is still deeply entrenched in my husband’s and my hearts, and we have had an opportunity to return there twice in the last couple of years. On Inauguration Day, I marched in solidarity with the people of both countries who want peace and good relations between us, and to send a message to our new President Obama that dialogue, diplomacy, and interaction are the only effective ways to get there.

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  9. That must have been an amazing experience. Thanks for sharing your photos and thoughts. Where did you serve when you were in the Peace Corps?

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  10. Thank you everyone for your comments and kind words about this experience!

    @Jackie: I worked down the hall from an Iranian team at my last job (in Prague) – they were my introduction to Iran and Iranian people, culture and poetry. I really hope we have a chance to see Iran for ourselves – maybe next year. Must have been a beautiful and fascinating place to have served in Peace Corps and I’m so glad you were able to sort through the visa restrictions so that you could return several times to visit.

    @Diana: I served in the Peace Corps in Estonia from 1998-2000. I originally thought I’d be sent to West Africa because of my French language skills and previous experience in Africa, but because I wanted do small business development I was sent to Eastern Europe instead. No regrets though!

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  11. @Sutapa: It is hard to believe that this was already 2.5 years ago. It was an incredible event – so much goodwill and optimism. I wish we could channel some of that energy and feeling of well-being into today’s discourse. Glad you enjoyed this & the photos!

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  12. Thanks Audrey! I am reading this today – and what a difference 2 1/2 years make. But I remember the occasion very well. I wasn’t there but wished I had been there. The photos are lovely!!

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