Denver The Rest of The Story!

Hello again everyone!

            The rest of the story! Wednesday was a day you could all be very proud of your Vermont delegation. There was a community service project in which several States participated, even California; we sent the largest group near 30 while California and others sent 5-10, yea! VT. The day continued with Caucus meetings and culminated with a speech to the convention by our own Senior Senator, the Honorable Patrick Leahy.  Senator Leahy spoke about the concerns of Rural America and the need for support for the rural parts of our country and that if we have four more years like these the demise is inevitable. Then later we heard from President Bill Clinton who gave one of his most electrifying and energizing speeches ever, as noted by over eleven minutes of applause. After President Clinton, Senator Biden's son Beau the Attorney General of Delaware and National Guardsmen, being deployed to Iraqi, introduced his father moved us all especially his dad. With a tear in his eye our Vice presidential candidate delivered a great speech. We were introduced to his family and then to our surprise Barack came out and congratulated the Senator and his family.

Our last day started with breakfast and presentations by Senator Sanders who put Senator McCain's record into perspective and Jeffery Wolfe, CEO of groSolar. Jeff's company is helping Vermont lead the charge in the development of the energy alternative revolution. His business has gained national acclaim and it is based in White River Junction Vermont. We took our delegation picture and went off to more Caucuses and then worked our way to INVESCO Mile High Stadium. To help clarify the stage design, that was critized by many, it was designed to represent the backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his memorable "I have a Dream Speech" forty five years ago today. (August 28, 1963). Dr Martin Luther King III spoke to us and then a number of regular people spoke one of my favorites was by an Indiana factory worker Barney Smith, a life long republican, who was laid off after 31 years when his job was shipped overseas. He made a fantastic statement:"We need a president who puts Barney Smith before Smith Barney," and the whole audience of 80,000 plus went into thunderous applause. Our friend Jamie Hess, OBAMA Fellow, from Norwich Vermont ran into Barney on the convention floor, wearing the unmistakable red checkered shirt.
 "Where did you get that line about Smith Barney?" Jamie asked him. "Well," he said, "My brother called me this morning and told me, 'Barney, have I got a line for you!' I had to call the speechwriter and ask if it was OK, but he said 'Go for it Barney!' "
See Barney's speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuAVw_v3br8

The star studded lineup from the presentation of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance, National anthem and time with Stevie Wonder Came the Brass. Just before Barack Came to the stage one after another 22 retired Generals and Admirals came to the stage, three women, also including general Westmorland. The message they shared with all present and viewing on TV was that they could serve under Barack as there Commander in Chief. Then came Barack!! He did great as always. After the speech came the grand finale, confetti, streamers and impressive fireworks.

I wore my regalia home on the plain and it was a great experience sharing the energy of the convention with so many people on the way back to Vermont.

What an honor to be part of history and represent Hartford, Vermont and my family WOW.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Kevin

As I get some pictures from some of the professional photographers and bloggers, I will pass them on.

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