By Erica Anderson
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On my walk from Dupont Circle to the National Mall on Sunday morning, there was a calm over D.C. that I had not expected. Thousands and thousands are expected for the "We Are One" inaugural celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, featuring performances by Bruce Springsteen, U2, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Usher and many more. Where was everyone?
Motorcades of police are poised on the street corners. A few feet further along, members of the National Guard are, too.
Finally, I find the crowds.
Outside the gates, people are hustling Obama commemorative T-shirts. I'm on the lookout for the cheesiest item. No winner yet.
Once inside security, I make my way to the reflecting pool. There are gates surrounding the water's edge just in case anyone wants to pull a Forrest Gump.
I meet four girls who have been camped out since 7 a.m. Holly, a 24-year-old from Arizona, is passing the time with a magazine and iTunes.
"I'm here to see Beyoncé," she says. "It's rare that Hollywood celebs all converge in D.C."
Emily, a 24-year-old from New York, is stoked to see the show.
"Thank God a Democrat finally won, so I can see a decent concert!" she laughs.