In my long career in broadcast and cable television I had the great privilege of witnessing some of the most significant events of our time. Among the highlights were the launch and landing of the Space Shuttle, the inauguration of the Country’s first Black President, and the election of Pope Francis 1. I traveled all over America and even managed to draw a few international assignments including time in Rome, London, and Beijing. Not bad for a kid from Fort Lee, N.J.
A few of these gigs might even be considered as “bucket list” aspirations by some. You know, the kind of thing you feel like you might want to experience in your life. Well, at least once anyway. One that may be on many lists is to attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans. I had the good fortune to draw that assignment on multiple occasions which is probably a few too many. The mood is so intense and the energy downright contagious. It was this collective energy that made it an awesome experience for me. But at the time I was also there under the protection of CBS News which shielded me from at least some of the debauchery that Mardi Gras is famous for. I’m certainly glad to have had the experience but it may not be my kind of thing to do multiple times. It’s just too crazy!
Another that may be on many lists is to be in Times Square on New Years Eve. Again, I was fortunate to have drawn this assignment multiple times which is also, again, probably more than I needed. It can be a hard, challenging day and night but for a few shining moments it’s all so worth it. At least once, anyway.
Allow me to elaborate.
New Years Eve in Times Square actually begins in the afternoon when the NYPD begins allowing the crowds into the gated pens that line 7th Avenue from W43nd Street to Central Park at W59th Street. Approximately 1 million people will be jammed into those 16 blocks and that’s where they will stay – for hours, i.e. until the ball drops at midnight. Once you are given access you may not leave for ANY reason and, yes, that includes using a bathroom. Security is tight and all bags are limited and searched before you can enter. And it’s cold, often bitterly cold. So, you had better be well prepared for a VERY long and challenging day and night.
Yet you’ll find people of every race and creed and from virtually all over the world penned up like cattle for hours with little or no amenities available to them. It begs the question, “why?” Why would so many people expose themselves to these hardships for a few fleeting moments of joy? AND there are many more millions wanting to do it in the future.
Well, what I experienced during my time there and sticks with most is the fact that all these people, strangers just days before, have come together and waited for hours to experience just a few brief minutes of peace and solidarity when everything in the future is possible. There is no pushing, no shoving, no violence whatsoever. As the countdown begins and the ball begins to drop in the square, there is only swaying, hugging, kissing, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” in unison. Think of it; a million strangers, jammed together in the cold, sharing a oneness of heart and soul. Of course, millions of others are watching on TV and experiencing the same feelings – if only for a moment. After a short time, the party’s over and the NYPD (who deserves enormous credit) efficiently disperses the crowd, the sanitation department cleans up the mess, and everyone goes back to their places of origin and daily lives.
So, in the final analysis, why DO so many people want to experience it, at least once in their lives, especially since it can be so challenging? I believe it’s because to be there is to be in that moment when we see that the world CAN function as one in peace and brotherhood, is transformative. It proves what’s possible. Besides, it’s the quintessential NY moment. As The Chairman of the Board sings, “If we can make it here, we can make it anywhere. It’s up to you, NY, NY!”
Happy New Year Everyone.
Frank LoBuono is a Nyack Resident, photographer, blogger and retired CBS News journalist.
Editor’s note: The views expressed in this article are those of this independent writer and not the Nyack News & Views editorial staff. We welcome submissions from anybody who is interested in publishing their thoughts, ideas and perspectives about issues facing our community, both large and small. Please send submissions to info@nyacknewsandviews.com.
Photo credit: Frank LoBuono