On the Road to See Barack Obama in Ottawa

Abe Lincoln had some trouble figuring out digital technology, but with just a click you can see photos from Barack Obama’s visit to Ottawa. (Photos by Julia Pelish)

Canadians for Obama along with Democrats Abroad Canada chartered a bus on Thursday, February 19 for a road trip from Toronto to Ottawa. It was an opportunity to welcome just about everyone’s favourite citizen from south of the border, U.S. President Barack Obama, who chose Canada for his first international trip while in office.

The bus departed from York Mills subway station at a very early 6:15 a.m. and yes, the bus was filled. We rolled into Ottawa around noon only to discover that we had arrived too late to see the president’s arrival but luckily Obama spirit was everywhere. Thousands gathered on Parliament Hill in celebration of his visit, waving flags, wearing Obama T-shirts and carrying banners. It may be hard to believe but I am telling you the truth, we did manage to meet the exceedingly social former U.S. President – Honest Abe Lincoln. He was well briefed and charmingly conversational on all present-day current events. The ladies were more than impressed!

Canadians for Obama really went all out and made the day special with well-planned events. They hosted a rally at the First Baptist Church where we were treated to an inspirational and diverse array of talented musicians and speakers. Afterwards the group gathered at the Human Rights Memorial for reflections and tributes. The final event was a “Yes We Span” Obama Bridge Walk across the Laurier Bridge sponsored by Democrats Abroad Canada and its Ottawa-Gatineau chapter.

Around 3:30 p.m. we could not help but hear the rumbling of security helicopters through the softly falling snow. There was no doubt that the president was on his way back to Air Force One and to Washington D.C. Not missing our cue, we trekked back to the bus and sped onwards to Toronto.