music and service

Yesterday’s “We Are One” concert was a wonderful experience. Sure, we didn’t make it into the secured area between the WWII and Lincoln Memorials, but our “seats” were quite good: in front of the Washington Monument, right in front of a Jumbotron and speaker array.

While the audio and video were out-of-sync (the audio was on a delay of some sort – either from HBO’s satellite, or a planned stagger to account for speakers being further away from the stage), the performances were great. Springsteen, Mellencamp and U2 were particularly great, but the real treat was seeing Pete Seeger leading the entire crowd – likely over 500,000 – in a sing-along of “This Land Is Your Land” – really cool stuff.

Afterward, we walked along The Mall with the masses, eventually making our way to Eastern Market to meet up with friends for dinner. Unfortunately, the crowds at Tunnicliffe’s were too think to get seating anytime soon (our friends already had a small table), so John, sprite and I bid farewell to our friends and headed to Columbia Heights for a lovely and tasty pizza at Pete’s Apizza (best pie in DC).

Today, sprite and I are participating in the National Day of Service. We’ll be assembling care packages for active-duty servicemen in the military. Apparently, Jill Biden and Michelle Obama are helping at the same venue, so we might get our brush with the incoming first and second families.

Thus far, DC has handled the throngs quite well. Sure, there’s a lot of crowding, and centrally-located Metro stations are very, very busy, but it’s not too bad. The military’s presence is quite strong (Humvees and MPs at every intersection in the areas surrounding The Mall, the White House and the Capitol). I think today and Tuesday will be the real tests of this city’s mettle – let’s see how that goes.

One thing this weekend is doing is keeping me off the bike. Saturday’s weather was too cold for healthy riding (and a water main break in Glen Echo caused some icy conditions near the ride start), and we’ve been busy ever since. So I’ll get back on the wheeled horse this week – this is such a once-in-a-lifetime event, I’m happy to let a weekend slide.

Oh, one more thing: we eventually obtained tickets to The Hill Ball, so sprite and I will dance the night away on Tuesday with our Cap Hill friends. Thanks to those who helped in this endeavor – you know who you are.