Me and Mr. kt got there about 2 hours early because we had no idea what to expect.
It was a small area in the quad on a junior college. We were right up front. Other people started filtering in. Everyone was talking and consoling one another over the "civil reich" movement that has taken this country hostage. Many people (like us) were wearing Kerry/Edwards shirts, hats, etc. A ton others were wearing Villaraigosa shirts ebcause it was a rally for him with Kerry endorsing.
Finally, it started. There were some real energetic speeches. In fact,Bob Hertzberg, a Dem who had run in the primaries, was really jazzed up and enthuased. He really got people excited. Richard Alacon spoke, and a few others who I am frawing blanks on (I can see them, but I have lost their names in my collective emeory bank right now!)
The president of the student body (a woman, yeah!) introduced Villaraigosa and Kerry. Everyone went nuts cheering. There were photographers from the media pushing us up front out of their way, but I still managed to be up in the front.
When Kerry came out, I started waving my biography on his. He pointed to it, smiled and gave me the thumbs up. I shouted "We still got your back, John!" He smiled and nodded his head. Other people cheered similar things and he responded to each one tha he could recognize. He really knows how to connect with an audience.
Half-way through his speech, the mic blew a fuse. He went to the side, started shaking hands and signing autographs. A lady next to me tried to hand him my book, but he didn't get it in time. Mr. kt did, however, get to shake his hand. The mic was fixed and he started speaking again.
He introced Villaraigosa, who was a marvelous speaker. I WISH I lived within the limits of LA city so I could vote for him, but in Pasadena, we have our own mayor (a DEM!), so all I can do is volunteer. I am so inspired to do so!
Anyway, after the rousing speeches, Kerry stayed on the stage, signing and shaking hands. A really cool guy was staning next to me. He took my book and held it up for Kerry. We kept calling Kerry's name. I was so close, I shouted, "MY Vietnam vetern father says thank you!" It might be he heard me or just was turning our direction anyway, I don't know, but he took my book and signed his name. I was so thrilled.
Me and Mr. kt hubg around and watched all the excitement. Then, we jump inthe gauntlent line as Villaraigose and then Kerry walked by, shaking hands and signing autographs. I was able to shake his hand when he came by. I got a picture of Mr. kt shaking his hand a second time. Mr. kt also got a moment to look Kerry in the eyes and say "thank you. I worked for you because I believe in you." Kerry said thank you to Mr. kt. That was super-dooper cool, let me tell you!
After it was over, we had a lady take a picture of us in our matching K?E shirts, holding a copy of the book Kerry signed. That book is now front and center i a glass curio case we have a home. It will always remind me of how wonderful hearing Kerry speak was!
We left on such a high. It felt so positive and uplifting. After that, we took off to Mar Vista to volunteer for a city council race. Mar Vista is no where near Pasadena, but we have a friend volunteering full time on this race. He really believes in Bill Rosendahl, and if we can help a Dem, we do. Hearing Rosendahl speak was also a positive and uplifting experience on a more local level. We came home so full and eleated with joy.
I wish everyday could be as wonderful as Saturday!
Edited to add:
Did anyone see us? This is the only Internet pic I have of me and Mr. kt:
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http://frankandcynthia.net/picturegallery/armstrongwedding/armstrongwedding-Pages/Image2.html>
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