• Aprill Brandon •
• Originally published January 19, 2009 at 11:53 p.m., updated January 19, 2009 at 11:53 p.m.

While answering a question of what Washington, D.C., is like the day before Barack Obama's historic inauguration, Runge teacher Jeff Steele was interrupted by a series of sirens blasting past him.

"Oh wow, it's the whole entourage of the Secret Service carrying either President Bush or Obama," he said. "That's awesome. That's just awesome."

Most South Texans who are attending the inauguration would echo Steele's sentiments. Yes it's crowded, confusing and completely chaotic, but that is nothing compared to the atmosphere of joy and hope.

Steele is in the city and attending the inauguration as part of Runge High School's senior trip. The 17-member class held fundraisers in order to be a part of history.

"The kids are in an awesome mood," Steele said. "They're very excited and can't wait until tomorrow. For me, as a teacher, you see them through school and hope they learn something. But then you take a trip like this and see their eyes light up. You see joy on their faces as they are learning things firsthand. It's an amazing experience."

For Dean Johnstone of Port Lavaca, the happy mood that has permeated Washington, D.C., is not just about swearing in the first black president but also the transition of power to a younger generation.

"For a guy like me, this is the first time we've elected a president that is younger than I am. There is so much emphasis on breaking the race barrier but if you look around at the crowd here, there are so many young people," he said. "And that's a good thing. It's something that has to take place."

One particular moment that stands out to Johnstone is when he saw a young man just break out into a dance.

"He was so happy, he just couldn't hold it in," he said. "It was really amazing."

Johnstone added that what he is most looking forward to today is the moment Obama is actually sworn in.

"That moment, that moment is the end of quite a journey. There's a lot of work that has to be done after that moment, but that small period of time is what is always going to be remembered among the crowd," he said.

Steele also said he is looking forward to when Obama takes the oath of office.

"The government does this every four years. They transition power over and they do it peacefully," he said. "It's quite amazing we are able to do that. And that's something I'm really looking forward to witnessing."

Both Johnstone and Steele said they will be getting up in the wee hours of the morning in order to try and beat the traffic to the National Mall.

Two million people are estimated to attend the inauguration today, according to CNN, which would smash the current record of 1.2 million set in 1964 for Lyndon B. Johnson's swearing-in ceremony.

• The African-American Chamber of Commerce will be holding an inauguration celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday at the Victoria Community Center. The event is open to the public. Formal attire is required.

  Tickets are $30 per person and ...

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The African-American Chamber of Commerce will be holding an inauguration celebration from 7 to 11 p.m. Tuesday at the Victoria Community Center. The event is open to the public. Formal attire is required.

Tickets are $30 per person and available at Lew's Barbershop, Mumphford's Bar-B-Que and Crossroads Details or at the door.

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