As the dust begins to settle on one of the most historic days in the lives of VIslanders Akeem Howell and Andrea France, time is being spent on reflecting on their on-stage performance at the 57th US Presidential Inauguration. In picture is a section of Lee University Choir during its performance on January 21, 2013. Photo: Lee University

Andrea France ensures a picture to capture the memory of being part of the historic 57th US Presidential Inauguration on Capital Hill. Photo: Provided

Akeem Howell also ensures a picture to capture the memory of being part of the historic 57th US Presidential Inauguration on Capital Hill. Photo: Provided

Akeem and Andrea, both members of the Lee University Festival Choir, a combined chorus of the university's choirs, performed at the Inauguration. An ensemble traditionally convened to sing at special events on Lee's campus, the 200-voice choir comprised students chosen from among the school's seven vocal ensembles. Their performance occurred immediately before the official swearing-in ceremonies at midday on January 21, 2013.

Virgin Islands News Online was fortunate to communicate with both Akeem and Andrea.

1. Akeem, tell us about the experience of participating at the inauguration of US President Barack Obama.

Akeem - The first time I stepped foot on the Capitol Hill’s stage for sound check, and looked out and saw the Washington Monument, I told myself this is surreal. It didn’t really hit me that I would be singing for the Presidential Inauguration until then. The ultimate sacrifice was to wake up in the wee hours of that morning, to be able to promptly clear security, in order to be on stage at the respected time. But it all paid off. First of all, we had the opportunity to be escorted by White House personnel and secret service (which probably would never happen again in my life) to our seats. I felt like a dignitary for a second (laughs). Tears of joy and great appreciation filled my eyes as I looked out and saw almost a million people gather for the greatest celebration in US tradition – the swearing in of the US President. I then reflected on whence I came, and I gave God a heartfelt thank you, for allowing me as a BVIslander to soak in the whole corpus of the historical moment.

Andrea - Being a part of the inauguration was a surreal experience. I was almost moved to tears just thinking on what a privilege it was to be a part of such a thrilling and historic occasion. It's such a great feeling seeing doors open for you in ways not even imagined. I don't think it actually hit me until I was on the stage of Capitol Hill that morning, and seeing all the people that were right in front of me. I must say though, it was really cold up there! I was trying my best to keep smiling because my face and toes literally felt frozen.

2. What was the most memorable moment during the entire experience?

Akeem - I think for me, what sealed it was to see a bed of flags being waved by almost a million people, as they stretched from the Capitol Hill to the Washington Monument, chanting “Obama”. When the President and his family walked out, I thought to myself this is not happening. It felt like I wasn’t there! Finally, when I saw Beyoncé, and heard her voice as she belted out her rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”, I said okay this is it for me – it was heavenly.

Andrea - (laughing) I honestly think my most memorable experience was when John Legend waved at us. He was just a few feet across from us in the bleachers. He saw us snapping pictures of him and I guess he decided to tease us with a wave. The girls went crazy. Seeing all those celebs up front, like Beyonce and Kelly Clarkson was also pretty cool. I tried to get a picture of all of them, including president Obama of course.

3. Were able to have a personal moment with anyone from the White house? 

Akeem - Unfortunately, I was not offered the opportunity to personally interact with any White House personnel. What I can brag about is, we were held within one of the Senate Meeting rooms for more than an hour before we performed, that in itself was an honour.

On a larger scale, the group had the opportunity to be greeted by Senator Lamar Alexander, Jr. who was the big player in inviting the Lee Festival Choir to the Presidential Inauguration.

Andrea - Well even though I would have loved to meet Michelle and Obama, we did get to meet Senator Lamar Alexander. He greeted us as a group on the day of our sound check. We really appreciated him coming to speak to us

Locally, while our efforts to contact Akeem’s mother were futile, this news agency did communicate with the mother of Andrea France, Ms Noreen France. “I never know that this was such a big thing until everybody start calling and asking me if it was my Andrea in the news,” she said.

Sadly for Mr and Mrs France, neither of them was able to see the live performance of their daughter on the big stage since Mrs France had to be at her East End, Tortola job with no access to a television set and Mr France was at the hospital with one of their children.

But Mrs France was indeed happy that her daughter had the opportunity to bask in her moment of glory. She recalled that Andrea left Tortola on January 4, 2013 for the first rehearsal, which was on January 5, 2013. "When she was home for the holiday and told me that she was going to be singing at the inauguration I wished her well and prayed for her. I remember telling her, congrats your voice did carry you somewhere,” recalled Mrs. France.

She also said that Andrea had called her from the United States and said Fox News had called to have an interview with her, "I said what. Then is when it really hit home to me,” said Mrs France.

For those who knew him, his face could not be missed as there were several close up shots of Akeem while he was singing on that historic day. Some persons said they did identify Andrea as well. Seen or not, what the Virgin Islanders know for sure is that the children of the soil did themselves proud and more so, the Virgin Islands.

The photographs will forever be framed and mounted on many walls. Whether it be physically or imaginative, it did happen for the Virgin Islands during the presidency of Barrack Obama.