As I sit here on the bus…it’s 4:03 am…I woke up 24 hours ago. And wow that is in now way depressing. I did manage to get some sleep on the bus. Although not enough to call it fully rested.
But we are about an hour behind…we’re somewhere in Pennsylvania But the reason why I am writing this is because of a meeting we had before we left. A meeting that turned into an hour and a half on inspiration. Greg Orwoll, the director spent the time debriefing and recognizing people who’ve been involved in the success of the last few days.
What got me was the family that these people have together. It was so obvious that everyone was happy and humbled to be there. The veterans all spoke about their experiences over the years and gave some words of wisdom.
One thing that stuck out to me was a comment made by a seven year veteran who said “life is about inspiring and being inspired.” That gave me goosebumps. You wanna know why? Because that is the reason why I do what I do. I tell stories that I hope inspire others and I feel inspired by the people I meet and tell stories about and I most defiantly felt that this trip.
As journalist we often times try to keep a distance from our stories; a safe enough distance that we tell the story from all sides.. But this time around it was me entirely a part of the story. I mean not only was I witnessing history but I was also being a part of history with the Colts. You know I wouldn’t normally admit this but I am the youngest reporter at KWWL and I never in a million years thought I’d be covering the Presidential Inauguration in the first year of my career.
Not only was I inspired by the people I’ve met and the stories I told but I was inspired by the people of our country; the people who gathered in D.C. from all over. They were full of so much spirit and energy for the future. It sounds corny but they gave me hope.
And speaking of hope, it’s my hope that if you weren’t able to make the trip (for whatever reason) that you felt like you were a part of it just as much as I was. I hope that this blog brought you to D.C.
So after what felt like a week’s time…more than 40 hours of work and a lot of walking around D.C. with millions of people I am walking away with a moment I will never forget.
On that note we’re driving through snow…again!
Posted under Uncategorized
This post was written by lsquires on January 21, 2009
My son is a Colt. Your blog and reports have allowed us to be on the journey. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!
I want to Thank you, you did a wonderful job better in my opinion than KCRG. I pretty much knew that this is where I could get updates. Thank you.
I really enjoyed reading this blog. I am a 14 year drum corps vet that still plays at age 47. It has been a joy to follow thw Colts along their journey to DC for the event of a lifetime. Ms. Squires, you should take a week or so this summer and join the Colts on the road during their summer tour to really see them in their element. The tour is what bonds the members together and makes them lifelong friends.
Thanks again from Atlanta for your reports.
Lauren,
The station sent you BECAUSE you were the youngest reporter on staff…No other staff reporter would be able to sleep on a gym floor and walk the distances you did each day, or be able to figure out the technical web-casts, and skype, etc. needed for your reports!!!!
Seriously, you need to travel with the Colts about a week or two before DCI Finals in Indianapolis in 2009 and experience first-hand the dedication and discipline that they (and all corps) go through in a summer tour to do this thing we corps nuts call “drum & bugle corps.” It will get in your blood and change you forever!!
Thanks for the inside look on the inaguration!
Lauren! Thank you soooo much for your hard work. I usually travel with the Colts and being away for this trip was sooo hard. When I hear words like to Inspire and Be Inspired it just stops me and makes me realize how much I LOVE the Colts and what they stand for. I checked all three major stations websites regularly throughout this trip and yours was the only one that truly kept me in touch! THank you from the bottom of my heart for all you did!
Thank you thank you for keeping us in touch as much as you could. Your blog was the most informative. We all like to have every little piece of news we can get - yes even what was served for dinner at the University, where you are now, how the trip is going…etc. I usually am with the Colts during summer tour at least 3 different weeks cooking. It was hard not to be able to go on this trip. I could, however visualize it all because of your blog. Thanks again, safe travels, say hi to everybody!!!
I have followed each & every day of your travels. Greg for many years has used the expression that they don’t have problems, just inconveniences! He uses it enough that it seems the Colts and others will continue to remember it! These last hours home yet must be anxious, unless all are sharing the past few days. Thanks for all your updates!
Thank you for doing such a WONDERFUL job of covering the Colts while on their DC tour. As a color guard instructor with the Colt Cadets, it was very hard not being there with the corps this week to share in this amazing experience…but…the way you captured the true spirit of the Colt family, you still made me feel like I was there. BRAVO to an incredible job! Please please please join the Colts and Colt Cadets when it’s warmer!!
Once again…congrats on a job well done!
Lauren-thanks again for a WONDERFUL job of covering the inauguration and the Colts!! You made this alumni mom feel like I was there with everyone else!! I also would encourage you to spend a week or more with the Colts this summer and experience the true essence of the corps! You were my main source of information over the last few days and for that, I am eternally grateful!!!
Lauren,
I’ve enjoyed watching and reading your coverage of the Colts, but I didn’t see much video of them in the parade. Do you have it on your website?
Thanks for your coverage of their historical trip and performance in the inaugural parade. What a thrill to have Iowa represented so well!