Being a part of history isn't easy. Now, a month after a select few from Riverview High School and I - a 16-year-old college-bound student and aspiring journalist - attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama, I can look back and see that it took work, perseverance and patience to attend this monumental occurrence. ...more

March 9, 2009

How was it, up in Washington D.C., watching the inauguration? Cold and crowded, but exciting and well worth the effort. ...more

January 21, 2009

The eyes of the world are focused on our nation as our first African-American president is poised to take the oath of the highest office in our democracy. While the inauguration of any American president and the peaceful transition of our national leadership are admired around the globe, this event symbolizes much more for our country and for our people. ...more

January 19, 2009

It's very easy, in our chaotic world, to lose track. Did you know, for instance, that "ER" is still on television? That "The Phantom of the Opera" is still on Broadway? That Hugh Hefner is still dating? ...more

June 21, 2008

It's a sacred day for all war veterans, none need to be reminded of the reason why Memorial Day must be commemorated. Soldiers in uniform, a 21-gun salute, bugles playing taps: These are special ways we honor a military veteran at his or her funeral. The gunfire salute is an ancient ceremony that was adopted in 1875. Taps was composed in camp Harrison's Landing in 1862 to replace Tattoo. Volleys over the grave originated from an Army custom of halting battle to remove the dead from the battlefield. Once each army cleared its dead, three volleys were fired to indicate they were ready to resume the battle. This remains a meaningful ritual today, symbolizing the battle of life is over for the person who has died, but the battle of life must continue for those living. Changing the date merely to create three-day weekends has undermined the very meaning of the day. Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. The citizens of America owe their freedom to all who have given their lives for us. It only takes a minute to say "thank you" who gave their lives so I can have mine. ...more

May 22, 2008

Thousands of protesters marched Saturday from the White House to the Capitol to demand an end to the Iraq war, leading to the arrests of at least 190 people. ...more

September 15, 2007