Having been extremely fortunate to obtain a press pass for the event, I was able to access most of the areas behind the stage, the area directly below the front of the stage, as well as the press tent itself. I arrived around 9:00 a.m. and secured a seat in the press tent, front row, center. Soon it filled up with huge, technician-manned cameras from the major networks, local TV channel personnel and area newspaper reporters. The time passed quickly, as I was speaking with some of the people assembled there.

Since the people to be sharing their views of Earth Day would not be entering the press tent for some time, I was able to venture out to watch the goings on. By noon, the rain had stopped, the temperature had risen but a few chilly degrees and the ground beneath had been reduced to a quagmire.

The ceremony began pretty much on schedule, the youth choir was performing and I observed actor Ed Begley, Jr., Vice-president Al Gore and Earth Day organizer Denis Hayes chatting below the back of the stage.

I was standing there, quite absentmindedly, I must admit, when there occurred a slight commotion among the people surrounding me. It was then I saw Leo for the first time. He passed about ten feet in front of me, walking with a security escort toward the steps at the back right of the stage. To say I was surprised and delighted was a gross understatement.

Since Leo wasn't due yet for his oration, he stood with Denis Hayes on stage while a small group of denominational speakers delivered inspirational words to the huge gathering. Then Anthony Williams, mayor of D.C., expounded on the measures being taken in his city to environmentally improve its quality.

It was now time for Leo to approach the podium, having been given a rousing lead-in by the mayor and a VERY exuberant welcome from the crowd!

After his wonderful address, I watched Leo walk back to Denis, shake his hand, embrace (pictured) and take stage left to watch as Denis and Al Gore spoke. When Vice-president Gore finished, I witnessed the scenario which was forever captured on film...Leo, Al and Denis descending the back stage steps.

Anticipating Leo's entrance into the press tent, I scooted inside and took my place only one to two feet from the microphone. I was hoping to be able to speak to him about his memorable speech, but unfortunately, that was not to be.

I did, however, have the pleasure of hearing some of the celebrities, politicians and environmentalists talk on a more personal level about measures they were implementing in the quest for a cleaner, more energy-efficient planet. The tone in the press tent was very informal and all the speakers were animated and relaxed, laughing and joking with each other.

Everyone was extremely nice, very accommodating and just so "down-to-earth." Chevy Chase and Mike Love of the Beach Boys were real cutups. As I'm sure Leo would have felt comfortable in there, I completely understood and totally respected his decision to decline.

Later, while standing outside the press tent, I sweet-talked one of the security personnel to allow me on stage for the remainder of the event.

While getting clearance to go up, I saw Denis Hayes walking my way. As he approached, I said hello to him and he stopped to chat with me for about five minutes. We had an interesting conversation about global warming. I told him where I lived and how I was so concerned about the damage it, as well as other environmental factors were causing a decline/bleaching of the reefs. Out of the blue, he said to me, "You know, that is Leo's main concern."

This led me to believe that not only was this issue of the greatest importance to Leonardo, but to Denis as well. I wished him the best and we parted, but not before I had my picture taken with him.

I was then escorted onstage till the end when Denis expressed his apologies to the Mall organizers for running overtime. After the ceremonies, I saw Denis talking to one of the clergy who spoke at the beginning of the program. I reintroduced myself to him and he said, of course, he remembered me. It was then that the clergyman invited me to a private party being held at the Air and Space Museum that evening. I accepted and thanked him for being so kind.

The party and awards ceremony was wonderful, the buffet divine, there was an open bar and it was very crowded...I had a great time.

I got back to my hotel room after midnight and had a flight out the next day, Easter Sunday. It was one memorable, exhilarating day...a day I'll never forget as long as I live.

Thanks Michele! for sharing your Earth Day with other Leo fans. Let's hope the Earth Day message got through loud and clear on that memorable day in April, 2000 in Washington.