By Han Xu

WASHINGTON, 4:47 p.m. — The wonderful thing about these massive public events is how it brings so many strangers together to share in one common experience.  The people that I met today on the mall certainly demonstrated that, being extremely friendly to everyone, even when smashed against each other in the streets going in and out of the mall.

One individual was particularly interesting: a Mexican born immigrant of over 50 years traveled all the way from Los Angeles to D.C. by bus alone, so that he could celebrate his 72nd birthday on the mall during the inauguration with two million strangers.

hans-man.jpg

Others: two people from different parts of the country who met in Baghdad.  One was a military service person, the other, a contractor.  Now, more than a year after, they meet back up in D.C. for the inauguration.

Now, the honeymoon is over and the real work begins.  Let’s hope that this feeling of unity and optimism persists well into the new administration.

YALE DAILY NEWS