The Observation Deck

I have to say, out of everything I've ever witnessed, been a part of, or photographed in my entire lifetime, this event was the most special, the most inspiring and the coolest event that I have ever had the pleasure of attending.

The significance that President Bill Clinton has for my people, my region of the world, is immense. The man saved thousands of lives, and gave millions an opportunity to work for the American Dream.

Out of all the "famous" people I have seen, this man had me awe-struck. I never get caught up in a person's name...but the influence he had on a region, a country, and the world is extremely positive and large.

Simply put, this man is THE MAN!

Kudos to everyone at Lakewood High School that worked to get him here. The event went very smooth.

Enjoy the photos,
Ivor

Bill Clinton at LHS










I managed to get his attention right as he was exiting the gym. I thanked him for what he has done for my family overseas and here in the US. He shook my hand and told me "god bless you, I wish you luck!" and slipped out the door.

Awesome job, Ivor!

Great Pictures Ivor - I thought yours were super too David.

I didn't go - but Savannah did and I think she felt just like you Ivor - she was awe struck. He really is an amazing speaker and person.

She also mentioned that Sam Norris did an amazing job opening up in front of all those dignitaries and that crowd. Speaks well to the students in Lakewood.

Thanks for the kind words, Lynn.

When President Clinton took the stage, I had to wipe away a couple tears because something was happening that I never thought would - witnessing him in the flesh.

It was definitely an experience to remember.

Same here.

I thought the National Anthem was very moving. It was sung by two members of the LHS Choir.

Only sometimes, when the mood and event is right, does the National Anthem move me. It's a reminder of what it took to be here, and what it takes for us to all be together, unified, in this great country, at this great event.

At sporting events or other events when the crowd begins to sing the anthem and it sounds beautiful, I get chills over my entire body. The Anthem that sticks out in my memory the most is when the Army played the anthem before an Indians game. Wow.

I remember the day after Coach Jerry Gruss passed away and LHS had a special ceremony for him that was followed by the National Anthem, I stood there with Mr. Dan Donnelly and his wife, Sandy Donnelly, and I turned to him and said "thank god I have my back to the crowd so they can't see me", and he said "I'm proud to be standing here with you".

Memories...

Ivor,

You amaze me.

That handshake reminds me of a similar experience by another photographer, a generation ago.

You will never forget that moment.

Good work!

We're participating in history. It was such an amazing moment when he walked on the stage but even better was his speech about Hillary. Listening to him list her accomplishments was inspiring. For me her tagline will be "Hllary doesn't say change, she makes change".

Another incredible job Ivor. Thank you for your personal reflections. I have really enjoyed your photos from both events - you are incredibly talented. Congratulations.

I too thought this was such an amazing event! I found out at the last minute and bribed my teen to get up and take me there! He really had no idea about what it meant to be standing in the high school so close to this man! I kept telling myself "don't cry don't cry" and didn't know why I was so overcome with emotion!!! Bill is an amazing man and amazing speaker and I think part of the emotion was directly related to him and part of the emotion was thinking about where we have come since him, with the war, and the economy and foreclosures, etc.

When I went to go waitress last night in N. Royalton I was beaming from having seen him and when an older gentleman saw my Hillary sticker (when I walked in as I could not wear it working) he said "I see you like Hilary. I am voting for a white man". Boy was it hard to close my mouth to such a closed minded statement and all I could think of was how nice it is to go home to Lakewood. For anyone who doesn't realize how diverse and progressive Lakewood is, go visit some of those other suburbs and bring up politics, where the only criteria for running this country is to be white and a male!!!! Hows that working for you?

The youth here, that was represented at LHS yesterday and with Ivor and the others that were there is electric and energizing and make Lakewood the coolest place in this area.

Sometimes it's interesting to see coverage by the press of an event you have been to. Often, you wonder if you were really at the same event, because the view is so different than your experience.

Here is a link to coverage of the Bill Clinton visit, by MSNBC.

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/ ... 20905.aspx

Read a little further to see what the comments are. A mix of unverified fact and fantasy from named and anonymous sources. Some of it is reaction to the article. Some is reaction to those named in the article.

Who's take is more accurate, the NBC reporter's, or the the commentators'? How does one influence the other?

After reading the MSNBC page, what would your perception of the individuals and events be if you hadn't been there? Could your perception be changed even if you were there?

I'm not making judgement about this news and these comments. We really don't have the time to test the veracity of all that we are exposed to, but I always feel like I have to warn myself about what information I use to make decisions.

For better, or worse, this is how we get our information in the 21st century.

I put a couple photos up.

http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs




.

Thank you to the over 2000 people that packed the East Gym yesterday at LHS. (contrary to the MSNBC reporter's estimate of 800) The campaign was very impressed by our students and our community. Sam Norris did an outstanding job of welcoming the crowd. Rachel from the LHS Young Democrats did a wonderful job as well. The campaign staff was blown away by the talent of Charlotte Petrie and Katharine Bussert as they sang the National Anthem.

Trish Hendy wrote:Thank you to the over 2000 people that packed the East Gym yesterday at LHS. (contrary to the MSNBC reporter's estimate of 800) The campaign was very impressed by our students and our community. Sam Norris did an outstanding job of welcoming the crowd. Rachel from the LHS Young Democrats did a wonderful job as well. The campaign staff was blown away by the talent of Charlotte Petrie and Katharine Bussert as they sang the National Anthem.

Trish

You did your usually magnificent job putting this event on, when you consider the short notice. The fact that you were also balancing other shows at the same time just make the work of you and your crew that much more amazing.

Lakewood, and Lakewood High looked great yesterday on the news.

The place was packed, rocking an having fun.


.

Trish Hendy wrote:Thank you to the over 2000 people that packed the East Gym yesterday at LHS. (contrary to the MSNBC reporter's estimate of 800)

Trish,

I think your estimate is a LOT closer than theirs.

Steve

Did he apologize for NAFTA and the WTO?

stephen davis wrote:

Trish Hendy wrote:Thank you to the over 2000 people that packed the East Gym yesterday at LHS. (contrary to the MSNBC reporter's estimate of 800)

Trish,

I think your estimate is a LOT closer than theirs.

Steve

Steve/Trish

Not that the Secret Service would know, but they put the estimate at 2000+ and thought it went extremely well.

.