A once-in-a-lifetime event
Rosslyn community gathers in Gateway Park to witness the Great American Eclipse
It was a hectic Monday morning for Justin Bensan, the Rosslyn BID's communications specialist. Rushed and somewhat frazzled, he quickly ascended the escalators at the Rosslyn Metro to find a line of people 150 deep waiting for him outside the station. They were all eager to collect the free eclipse glasses promised them by the Rosslyn BID as part of a social media campaign. Bensan had worked hard to find more than 200 pairs of NASA-approved glasses that would be suitable for viewing and delivered on time. In the weeks leading up to the eclipse, glasses had become harder and harder to come by. Bensan and Rosslyn's Ambassador team quickly distributed glasses to those in line, happy to help but sorry to have to turn some away.
"Thank you. You guys saved the day!" wrote Jay Dayanidhi on Facebook. "I was able to join the country and participate in this incredible event!"
Later that afternoon, as 2:42 p.m. approached, crowds gathered in Gateway Park for the big event. There was a fun, friendly vibe as people gazed heavenward together using glasses and all other manner of viewing devices, from welding hats to cardboard boxes, cereal boxes and paper poster tubes that were used as pinhole viewers. People chatted, shared viewing paraphernalia and enjoyed being part of a special moment together.
View our photo gallery of the day here.