Obama Speech Part One

I woke up yesterday morning to a beautiful blue sky that we have become accustomed to in Colorado. I guess that James Dobson's Focus on the Family prayers for rain during Obama's speech didn't work. Still, a smoky haze did settle in over Denver because of forest fires northwest of Denver.

We met at a Joe and Sarah's house in the Highlands area of Denver and rode our bikes to Mile High Stadium. Security fencing was set up around the entire perimeter of the stadium and parking lots. We were meeting up with some friends who were coming in on RTD Light Rail and had Sarah's credential, so we walked way around to the Bronco's bridge to meet them.

While walking around, we got to see some of the security measures in place. Vehicles entering the security perimeter went through strict inspections. They inspected the interior of the vehicle, the engine, the undercarriage, and also used bomb sniffing dogs. The Army had set up triage tents to handle any emergencies, and police and firemen from up and down the front range were there for support. The security that I witnessed for the event was exemplary.

We made it over to the entrance by the Broncos bridge, where we expected to meet our friends. Unfortunately, the security by the Light Rail sent them completely around the stadium to the other side, where the lines to get in were up to four hours long. Sarah must have had someone looking out for her, as a girl walked by and handed her a golden ticket - a hall credential that provides access to many areas of the stadium. We were able to go right in, as the security was less than 20 minutes at that entrance.

We went inside the stadium and hung out in the shade. We didn't get to see Olympian Shawn Johnson lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance or Jennifer Hudson sing the National Anthem, but we did get to hear it. Then we headed up to our seats to witness the rest of the activities.

Part II coming soon.