Chapter 2: Opening Ceremonies.

I wandered around in the mostly-empty area where the opening ceremonies would be, and I took a couple pictures.

One of the things we were greeted by was this big rectangle blow-up, that said "every mile makes a difference." Now I knew what I had done, and what I was doing, was making a difference; but this saying would mean a lot more to me after walking a full day.

In this picture, you can see about a quarter of the large area where all the walkers stand in front of the stage during the opening ceremonies. This huge trailer is what they transport around the main stage and equipment in. "We walk because we believe" in a cure for breast cancer. Shortly after I took this picture, more walkers began to show up and fill in the enclosed area. I turned around and saw the sun beginning to rise from behind Arlington Ball Park. It was beautiful.

As the people began to pack in around me, a woman that was next to me said hi and started to make conversation. She had long, auburn hair in a pony tail beneath a dark blue baseball cap. Pinned to the cap was a picture of an elderly woman that I can only assume was her mother; very likely the reason that she was there. I never did ask her, and that morning I didn't ask her her name.

The opening ceremonies began, and we learned that we had about 1,500 walkers, and those walkers had raised over four million dollars. It was astonishing. Then we were introduced to some of the foundation leaders and the medical staff for the walk itself.

Next, the crowd became silent as the survivor's circle made their way down from the stage. They hold in their circle the spirit of those lost to breast cancer. They hold hands as they slowly walk towards the flag pole and raise the 3-Day flag. Once the flag is up, everyone goes crazy happy, and the walk begins!