It’s a great feeling to know that you’re taking part in a historical moment, not just watching it on a television from thousands of miles away. Barack Obama’s Inauguration is one of those historical moments.

Being in the District of Columbia during this time is amazing. The last (and only other) time I was in the district involved my high school marching band, my clarinet, and a concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial, where a bunch of Japanese tourists eagerly took our pictures (don’t ask me why; we weren’t that good). That trip introduced me to the side of the nation’s capital that most tourists see–the history of our nation. This trip has introduced me to another side of DC – one of hope, change and the feeling that we’re making history.

Everywhere I go, people are celebrating. The biggest celebration of them all was a concert at the Lincoln Memorial Concert Sunday. An estimated 75,000 people converged at the National Mall while some big-named celebrities (like Stevie Wonder and Bono) spoke and performed. There was even a bald eagle present. When Garth Brooks started to sing “American Pie,” it seemed like all 75,000 audience members started to sing along.

Obama’s message at the concert was a preview of his inaugural address and gave assurance about the future to the crowd.

“There is no doubt that our road will be long, that our climb will be steep, but never forget that the true character of our nation is revealed not during times of comfort and ease, but by the right we do when the moment is hard,” Obama said.

The city is bursting with people– exemplified by the line to the closest Metro stop near the Mall. After Sunday’s concert, there were many people trying to use it, the line stretched for a quarter of a mile (or maybe more). Even more people were walking on foot to unknown destinations. Despite this, I didn’t hear any complaints.

Today will be bringing even more people to the city, and I can’t wait. My plans involve getting up before the crack of dawn to catch a ride back to the Mall. This is the first time that the entire Mall will be open to the public during the Inauguration. It’s going to be cold and crowded.

But for me, it will be worth it just to stand there with all those other people who traveled maybe thousands of miles just to be here, to take part in the celebration. Together, we’re going to witness history.