***(Editor’s Note:  Josh McGrath is a Columnist and Collegiate Commentator for “The Thirsty Quill.”  Although he is currently a student at Wingate University, Josh will be reporting for ‘The Quill’ from Washington, DC over the next few days, site of Tuesday’s Presidential Inauguration. As always, we appreciate Josh’s commitment and service to “The Thirsty Quill.”)***

“Inauguration Update #8″

By: Josh McGrath, Columnist

(Tuesday morning 7:12 AM, LIVE from the National Mall)

I’ve been to Montana in the middle of winter where the wind chill factor gets to be -40. I swear I was warmer then than I am now. 

My school group and I arrive at The Mall this morning at a little after 5am. There were already so many people here, that I couldn’t get any closer than about a mile to the Capital Building.

Just a few moments ago, a group of individuals with an official looking badge passed out hundreds of small American flags to us. I am currently at this moment hearing an estimated 4 million people sing in perfect unison The Star Spangled Banner. Just the power of hearing this song being sung by so many Americans ignited a powerful spark of pride that America has not yet given up.

I need to get going, I can no longer feel my fingers pressing these keys…