carrying which flag, that my name was listed next to Jamaica! As we stood on the precipice of a new day for the United States, and prayed for the world, my family and friends from Jamaica (and beyond) were also proud and elated. My dad turns 80 in just a few months, and having lived through a time where people were routinely lynched for the color of their skin and not allowed to drink from the same water fountain, he was particularly enthused to have lived to see me playing this role while flying the colors of his home.
Audrey Scott Estonia 98-00 I could have stared at those flags for hours. Visually, it was beautiful. Emotionally, it was staggering.
Those flags stood for the tens of thousands of American Peace Corps volunteers who served across the world, from the tropical heat of Micronesia to the frigid cold of Estonia. Their movement spoke of a spirit of service that still lives— in returned volunteers, in those currently serving and in the ideals of those who will someday serve. Then came the call: time to march. I moved. My blood flowed. The adrenaline did too. Although the parade route crowds had thinned, those that remained were excited. People cheered, waved, snapped photos and yelled out “Peace Corps!” I heard shouts of “Thank you!!” and “Thank you, Peace Corps!!” More importantly, the Obamas and Bidens appeared genuinely excited to see us! They waved, they smiled, they laughed.
The Obamas and Bidens wave to the Peace Corps Community marchers as they pass the presidential reviewing stand.
12
Spring 2009
John McDonnell, Washington Post