2009 Most Memorable and Notable

The most memorable moment of 2009 had to be hands down the inauguration of Barack Obama, or well just President Obama himself. Yes the death of a historical pop star or the tabloids being nosy in other celebrities affairs was memorable but it was not as big as our first black president. His inauguration was the start of a new era for America, the example of “change” in the country. This movement of “change” that Obama preached about was one of the most unified movements as a country we did in a long time. This historical moment effected just about everyone’s heart whether it was good or bad. To put on top of that President Obama the same year won the Nobel Peace Prize, which is arguably worth given to him but it is definitely one of the most memorable moments due to all the controversy. Every decision Obama made was critical in the year of 2009 from his health insurance bill to his decision to send more troops over seas. Everything else that happened in 2009 is memorable but most will be forgotten in next couple of years but President Obama will never be forgotten as he has achieved the major accomplishment of first black president. Therefore he will go down in history books to be told forever, and people will take pride that they lived or voted during the time Barack Obama was elected as president.

The most famous sports figure in the entire world, a name that people in all 7 continents recognize, the greatest and most dominate player of any sports’ image tarnished. Tiger Woods, a person not only known for his prowess and ability on the golf course, but for his character, loyalty, and refined image off of it. In only a few days, that was tarnished. Many stories were released since his car accident in the middle of the night, and from one thing to another, Tiger was going downhill. Many of his sponsorships dropped him, and the dissappointment of his fans was endless. How does a man respond? The biggest sports saga of the decade, involving the biggest sports icon, and his image. How will he comeback to again take over the golf world, despite the image he may possess.

How can we go review the important events of 2009 without mentioning Chelsey Sullenberger and his miraculous landing on the Hudson River? After taking off from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, he and his crew encountered a serious problem. Birds took out power in both his engines and he was told he was either unable to land or too far away from any of the surrounding airports. Sullenberger, nicknamed Sully, then quickly devised a plan to heroically land the United Airlines Airbus on the Hudson. He prepared the plane and passengers for landing and then touched down. He was able to make a successful landing and save the lives of 155 passengers when the odds were against him. In the days following the tragedy-turned-miracle, the country was able to unite around a quiet yet heroic pilot from Texas. Amongst all the controversies in the U.S. this year, it was nice to have such a heartwarming story like “The Miracle on the Hudson.”

During 2009 there was a huge commotion about the new sickness going around the world. It originated in Asia. It was called the swine flu. Talk about this new flu started at the beginning of the new year of 2009. Warning went out to all of America about this new virus, informing viewers that people have actually died from it. The United States went hysterical. Everyone was so careful not to contract the swine flu, now known as H1N1. H1N1 was the talk of the year. People making sure they washed their hands constantly and kept away from germs. It was the biggest worry. Making sure no one would get so ill that they would have to be hospitalized and the possibility of death. Swine ’09 had a huge impact on the year. Worrying millions for their lives.

With the perfect season of 16-0, nothing seemed to stand in the way of the New England Patriots as they hightailed it to the superbowl. What seemed to be impossible soon became a reality as the Pats lost to the New York Giants with a 31-20 defeat. No fan of New England wanted to believe it as they all cleared their eyes of misbelief. With what was called “The Perfect Season” soon became known as one of the biggest lets downs. Not only does New England hold the record for only team to have the perfect season and then loosing the biggest game of the year, they gave the NY Giants the record for the only team to beat the “Perfect Season” team. Looking back, the Boston Red Sox were in a flip-side position of the Patriots as they were down 3-0 in the series. Then what seemed impossible became possible as the Sox turned it around to a winning 4-3 series which validated them to move onto the MLB world series. Big loses happens to everyone as portrayed by the NE Patriots this past superbowl which may be known as one of 2009 biggest lose in sports.

Chris Henry, questionably one of the NFL’s most athletic and dynamic receivers lost his life on Thursday December 17th 2009. this moment in history will be remembered because of how shocking and young this man was. Henry was originally from Belle Chasse, Louisiana, a ghetto where Henry found himself gang and drug related. He attended West Virginia University and was drafted by the Bengal’s in the third round. His third year in the NFL, he was considered one of the leagues biggest threats for the long ball. Some often compared him to a young Randy Moss. The 6’4 200 LB widereciever had broken his forearm in a game against the Ravens on November 8th that had set him back. A lot of spectators thought that would be it for the young “thug,” but Henry had other plans. “An article on the Bengals Web site called Henry “one of the best comeback stories in the NFL” before being injured, saying he had rebuilt “his life and career in a three-year climb from a series of off-field problems.” A tragedy in deed considering the steps he took to put his past behind him. He leaves behind 3 children, 2 sons and a daughter. Even those that did not know the young man personally saw his love in his smile and felt warmed by his laugh. Although his body is not here any longer, his spirit lives on with every touchdown or point scored at the Bengals Stadium.

The death of pop singer Michael Jackson was absolutely the most notable event of 2009. On June 25th, the musical world as we know it crumbled. Michael Jackson was a familiar name in press from his incredible dance moves, strange behavior and unusual physical changes. Earning the title the “King of Pop” identifies a person as being more than just a good singer. Michael Jackson became a household name and lifestyle for some. The fact that 17,500 tickets were given to fans, 1.2 million fans applied to enter a lottery into his funeral and 750,000 were expected to congregate outside Staples Center is proof in itself that his death had the greatest impact on 2009. His funeral required the most security planned since the 1984 Olympics and was internationally broadcasted. It is said that 31.1 million Americans viewed the funeral on television, making his death a public affair. Families who did not know Jackson personally acted as though a family member passed. His memory will forever live on in the symbols of the white glove, the moonwalk and his outstanding performances.