SPECIAL REPORT
View a special report on the inauguration of Barack Obama including:

   Several additional articles with local views, reactions.
   Live video of the inauguration events beginning at 10 a.m.
   An historical view of past inaugurations.

PLATTSBURGH — It was cold, it was crowded, and it was frustrating at times.

But attending Tuesday’s presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C., more than lived up to the hype for North Country residents who made the trip.

“It was shoulder to shoulder, belly to back,” said Michelle Ouellette of Plattsburgh.

“It was so crowded we couldn’t even lift up our hands, but it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, so it was well worth it.”

SLOW GOING
She and her husband, Steve, attended the inauguration, with tickets to stand in an area behind the reflecting pool.

Steve said they were too far away to see President Barack Obama but could clearly hear his speech over the speakers.

The hardest part of the day was getting into the event, Steve said.

“It took us about four hours to get from Union Station to our section. A lot of people just gave up and left.”

Michelle said that once a security guard opened up a gate, the crowd was able to thin out and breathe a little easier.

“If it wasn’t this event, I think it would have been pretty scary, but people were nice.”

Some crafty observers wound up climbing trees to get a better viewing angle.

“People were handing them their cameras up in the trees so they could take pictures for them,” Michelle said.

SOUVENIR
The Ouellettes met people from all over the country.

“There was a lot of celebrating, and people seemed to be enjoying each other and the moment,” Michelle said.

As the crowds overwhelmed the site, officials were not able to collect tickets as people poured into venues.

“I get to keep the tickets, which is a nice souvenir of the event,” Steve said.

Ray Curran and Cathy Daggett of Wilmington won tickets to the inauguration in a raffle held by North Country Congressman John McHugh (R-Pierrepont Manor).

“There were so many people packed in there, but it was very inspiring to be there,” Curran said.

SPEECH HIT HOME
Curran and his wife were about 300 yards from the president.

“There was a lot of spirit, and people really paid attention to his speech and seemed to show a lot of support,” Curran said.

The couple traveled to Washington by train, along with other attendees from across the nation.

“We rode down with a couple from Tulsa, Okla., and met people from all over.”

The president’s speech seemed to hit home with a lot of those attending, Curran said.

“I liked how he talked about how we all have to pull together, sacrifice and work hard, but there was also notes of optimism in there.”

‘UPLIFTING’
For McHugh, Tuesday’s inauguration was his fifth as a congressman.

“Any time you change parties, it is a special event, but I think this one was even more special,” he said.

Although it was chilly sitting on the stage for nearly two hours in metal chairs, McHugh said he didn’t mind.

“We were really in awe of the size of the crowd. It went on literally as far as the eye could see.”

McHugh said he hopes the new president and his colleagues in Congress can put the country back on the right track.

“It was a great start to his first day. He gave a very uplifting speech and hit on all the right issues in the appropriate fashion.

“He has a commitment from both sides of the aisle to work hard and try to do a better job for all Americans.”

BOOING
Plattsburgh attorney John Clute and City Court Judge Penelope Clute also attended the inauguration.

“It was very exciting to be there,” Mr. Clute said. “I can’t believe the number of people that were there.”

The Clutes watched from afar on the Mall but had a clear view of the large-screen television.

“It made you feel like you were still part of what’s happening, even though you were that far away,” Mr. Clute said.

Although space between bodies was limited, most people were polite and friendly, he said.

“There was a little booing when President Bush was announced, but a lot of people seemed upset about that.

“They felt that it was a day of celebration and not the time to run somebody down.”

Security was noticeable, Mr. Clute said, but not overboard.

“We went to the concert the day before, and if you had a bag, they checked it and made you open your coats, but not today.”

Clute was also surprised to see many Canadians who came down for the special day.

“There were people from all over the world, too. It was kind of neat.”