Invigorated by hope and a call to action at RNC 2016

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It was a convention like no other. The intensity of this event of colossal proportions and implications, nationally and globally, stirred the highest of passionate emotions in each of the thousands who came from every part of the globe to be a part of history at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

No matter who struck up a conversation with friends or absolute strangers on the streets of downtown Cleveland or in Quicken Loans Arena — the Q — each had a story as to why this election was personal and important. Delegates, guests, passers-by and even press unabashedly shared the belief that this would be the most significant thing they might ever be a part of — it would be their legacy, a gift to give to their children and grandchildren.

Despite the diversity of languages and dialects, we understood each other and shared the same goal: to put America back on course. We weren’t resting until we heard the acceptance speech of Donald J. Trump.

I kept listening to the personal accounts as to why the convention produced such fierce sentiments. People have had it with political correctness, illegal immigration, refugee killings of innocents, massive unemployment, wage freezes, Veterans Administration waiting lists, a failed health system, Wall Street shenanigans, welfare fraud and waste, police killings, gun confiscation intimidation, racial disharmony, boys in girls’ bathrooms, holiday trees, heightened anti-Semitism and dismissal of Israel’s leaders, a bogus Iran Deal, terrorism on our soil, weakening of our military, college graduates still at home, the slow death of Main Street … and the dismantling of the American Dream.

Prior to the kickoff, some media pundits had predicted a disjointed convention with massive demonstrations and violence. That never materialized. Wall to wall law enforcement made sure everything ran smoothly, and Cleveland’s visitors got to where they were going. The event ran seamlessly.

The last night arrived, and it felt as if we were entering not just a political arena but an edifice of optimism. While most were exhausted from sleepless nights of networking to long walks through the hot yet welcoming city, there was a renewed, almost glowing anticipation among all, whether at the perimeter or inside the Q. Security by Secret Service continued steadfast and efficient, and afterwards, I joined my colleagues at the National Federation of Republican Women’s sky box. While there was ample food, most hardly touched a bite. The expectation was nourishment enough.

All presentations up to the last moments of the convention proved a harbinger to what was about to come. Ivanka Trump stepped up to the podium to introduce her father and as her siblings, exhibited strength, intelligence, warmth and wisdom, reflections of the father’s influence. And, then Trump took center stage. People held hands and heeded, “Together, we will lead our party back to the White House, and we will lead our country back to safety, prosperity, and peace.”

As he commanded the stage, we stood unified knowing he would give his best to command our nation to be again, “a country of law and order.” He addressed the deepest concerns of Republicans and a good portion of Americans. Tears welled up in my eyes. I had attended other conventions but this took place during a dire state of emergency, during crises in our country and world. Someone understood, was not giving lip service and would work to uphold laws for which fellow Americans had made the ultimate sacrifice.

The speech was over, and the work to elect Trump as president began. As people left the arena close to midnight, there was an invigorating atmosphere. It was one of hope.

Schockett, a Woodmere resident, serves on the executive committee of the National Federation of Republican Women as a member-at-large and is the immediate past president of the New York State Federation of Republican Women.