Politics
A Closer Look at George Washington's Inauguration: An excerpt from the diary of a young man in New York
It is April 1789 and I find myself standing here in New York City awaiting the inauguration of George Washington. I can't help but be amazed at our country's progress. Only a few years ago, we were an independent, chaotic and aimless country. Now we are a more unified land, one with a leader, with common goals, and economic opportunities for all. An irrepressible feeling of relief, excitement and fear overcomes me, as I slowly realize that my life would be forever changed after today. I say to myself that this can't be happening - but I see that it is. I am a 23 year old man and I'm free. I'm looking out at the crowd that has gathered in front of Federal Hall - a sea of hopeful faces waiting for Washington to come out and take his place as President. One man in particular, stands out in my mind. He must have been at least 30 years old, and is wearing a light gray jacket. What is so striking is the way he keeps running his hands over his face. Such a simple movement that when I first noticed it, I thought nothing of it. But I soon realize that this movement was the man's way of expressing his fatigue and frustration. He, like perhaps all of us, was tired of the disunity, the disorganization, the confusion, and more importantly, the heavy financial burdens, due to the lack of foreign customers, the unstable currency, and the governments' inability to pay off national debts. He was looking for a leader.... we were all looking for a leader, someone who would push the country towards economic prosperity, someone who would revive the spirits of the people. In our minds this someone was George Washington. Washington, who commanded the victorious American army during the struggle for independence, and who served as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Washington was who we were waiting for and then he appeared. A hush falls over the crowd, as Washington steps out onto the balcony of Federal Hall and takes an oath to protect and defend the rights of the people. I hold breath while Washington makes his speech and when all is said and done, I let out a long sigh of relief. My prayers have been answered. We have been given a leader and another chance to be economically prosperous.