Attending Ronald Reagan's Inauguration was one of the most memorable days of my life (and not only because I nearly got myself arrested for momentarily leaving a box near the White House). The peaceful transference of government is one of the most remarkable occurrences in the world. People all over envy us this phenomenon.

This inauguration, whatever you may think of Barak Obama's politics, is a momentous day for our country and for the world. We have both the amazement of democracy at work and a milestone in conquering racism.

When I was young, I wrote a letter to Martin Luther King Jr. --before someone gunned him down--thanking him and encouraging him to press on. I remember well the Civil Rights Movement. We're not that far removed from it all. I stand amazed and thrilled at what this means.

We've spent two years electing this president. And as parents, my husband and I have talked with our girl about what we value and why we vote. When we were in Washington last month, we helped her learn the three branches of government and photographed her in front of the White House, Supreme Court, and U.S. Capitol. We saw the streets being prepared for the biggest event Washington has ever had.

Her cousins have the day off school. Her uncle plans to go the Mall in Washington, even if only to watch it all on huge screens amongst the throngs.

So imagine my surprise when I learned my girl may not get to see it. When I inquired of her school, I learned that the decision is left up to the individual teacher--in this case Spanish and science. And here's the killer: If I keep her home to watch it, her absence will not be excused.

What is wrong with this picture?