Lynchburg group heads to D.C. for ‘life-changing experience’

Inauguration Special Report: Latest headlines, blog posts, photos, videos, maps, and interactive features all focusing on the inauguration.

What are your thoughts on the inauguration? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

Outside in the darkened parking lot of the Wal-Mart on Wards Road, the time is nearly 10 p.m. The bus, as Cheryl Glass quickly notes, is late.

“(The driver) called and said the devil has been busy today,” Glass says. “But she’s 10 minutes away. Something must have happened. She’s never late.”

No matter. Nothing can dampen the spirits of this growing crowd of President-elect Barack Obama supporters, all bound for today’s inauguration celebration in Washington, D.C. As the predominantly black group gathers in the crisp night air, people begin chattering excitedly about the day that lies before them.

“This is a life-changing experience for me,” says Gardean Fleshman, 52, of Lynchburg. “Everyone’s been saying we didn’t think we would see this in our lifetime.”

The bus arrives in due time, and people pile on with bags, blankets and pillows in hand.

As bodies start filling seats, it becomes clear the bus is a few supporters over its limit.

“I’m so sorry, but these seats have already been taken,” Glass, one of the trip organizers, shouts out. “The seats have already been paid for.”

As she passes by, she whispers in disbelief, “There was another bus that canceled and people started getting on our bus.”

A few minutes later, the confusion is cleared up and all the proper riders are settled in. Ready to depart, they take a moment and bow their heads in prayer.

“When we come back, we want to take everything we’ve seen and everything that’s inspired us back to our community and make a difference,” says the Rev. James Coleman, who was picked last year to give the invocation at Obama’s campaign appearance in Lynchburg.

The bus, filled to capacity with 47 people, pulls out of the parking lot. After making a quick stop to fill up the gas tank, the trip is officially under way.

Bound for D.C. and a history-making event, the group crosses over the city limits at 10:53 p.m. Their scheduled arrival time is 4:30 a.m.

For a moment, the darkened bus is silent. Then a chorus of voices from the back breaks out into a hymn.

“Oh Lord,” they sing, “how excellent. How excellent.”