Darnell's bird's eye Obama view

Jan 20 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A CHICAGO born Perth pastor will enjoy a bird’s eye view of Barack Obama’s historic presidential inauguration today.

Just weeks after being installed at the Church of the Nazarene, Darnell Starks yesterday caught a flight out of Scotland bound for Washington DC with his wife Karen.

Stagecoach transport empire co-founder Brian Souter, an influential and long-time member of the York Place church, paved the way for a dream trip.

Before departing, Darnell told the PA: “It’s all going to be a bit frantic but it will be huge thrill to be part of such a landmark occasion in the history of our country.

“Brian mentioned he had a US attorney whose offices are on Pennsylvania Avenue and we were invited to take in the parade. We should get a great view of the new president’s motorcade as it passes down the Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

“We’re both really excited about the prospect of joining the millions in Washington for the most eagerly awaited presidential inauguration since the days of John F Kennedy.”

Fine-tuning travel arrangements proved a challenge and Darnell plotted a crack of dawn wake-up call at his Virginia hotel, 30 miles out of town.

“Usually it would take 45 minutes to get into Washington. This trip could take three or four hours. The inauguration gets under way at 11.30am and we can’t afford to take risks with timing.

“It will be the biggest ever security operation America has ever seen so there will be any number of road closures and diversions to cope with.”

Darnell (42), was born and bred in Chicago and recalls playing basketball with Obama’s brother-in-law.

“The last time we were home was in 2007 so we watched the campaign excitement build from a distance. We actually entered a contest on the Obama website to secure an invitation to the inauguration ceremony. I wrote an essay recounting how I was a supporter in Scotland. We weren’t one of the 10 average folk selected but Brian has come up with a great consolation prize!

“It will be special because we come from Obama’s home town of Chicago. But it really is an extraordinary time for the USA.

“This is an historic occasion which symbolises change and possibilities for the people of America. In years to come it will be wonderful to be able to say we were there.”