'The Eyes of the Entire Nation Were on West Hartford'

This article was posted by Kathleen Ramunni. It was reported and written by Ronni Newton.

The University of Hartford hosted President Barack Obama Monday for an impassioned speech calling on Congress to stand up, follow Connecticut's example, and pass "common sense" tougher gun control laws.

It was the first visit to West Hartford of a sitting president, and many waited in line for hours to obtain tickets and then gain admission to Chase Arena on the University of Hartford campus where the speech was held. 

Approximately 1,000 tickets were handed out to students, faculty, and staff of the University, and the remainder of attendees were guests of the White House. Families of those who were killed in Sandy Hook on Dec. 14 were also in the audience.

West Hartford Mayor Scott Slifka was not only in the audience Monday; he also was one of a select few invited to meet President Obama's arrival on Air Force One.

"The whole experience is tough to put into words," Slifka said. He said that the entire day was awe-inspiring, from the sight of Air Force One, to greeting President Obama on the tarmac, to "The Beast" (the nickname of President Obama's vehicular transport), to attending the speech.

"It's the opportunity combined with the importance of the event," Slifka said. Not only did the President of the United States visit West Hartford, which in itself is not routine. "But this is one where the visit is about the most pressing issue facing the nation," Slifka said.

"The eyes of the entire nation were on West Hartford. How often do you get to say that?" Slika said.