On January 20, 2025, during the historic Inauguration Day celebrations at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., I, Nick Petersen from Mound, Minnesota, experienced a moment that changed my life forever. As a shy, everyday American who grew up on the shores of Lake Minnetonka and graduated from Mound Westonka High School Class of 2010.

I traveled alone to the nation’s capital, driven by an unshakeable love for my country. Braving 13 hours of freezing cold while camping out to secure a spot just four rows from the stage, I found myself in the midst of an indoor parade filled with energy and hope. In a brief, electrifying pause before the parade fully began, a surge of emotion welled up from the depths of my heart, and I shouted those five powerful words: “We love you, Mr. President!”

Amid the roar of 20,000 cheering patriots, President Donald J. Trump heard me. He turned directly toward me, pointed back with a warm smile, and First Lady Melania Trump waved graciously. This genuine interaction was captured live on national and international television, broadcast to millions, and the entire arena erupted in unified applause. It wasn’t about seeking the spotlight—it was about standing up for the quiet hopes and patriotic spirit that so many Americans carry, especially after the challenging years leading up to that triumphant Inauguration Day 2025 at Capital One Arena.

Determined not to let this profound connection fade into memory, I poured my heart into six handwritten letters, complete with photos, verifiable proof, and stories of my family’s centuries-old roots in American patriotism. I sent them to the White House, hoping to preserve the moment for history. What followed was nothing short of miraculous. The White House’s Office of Presidential Correspondence not only acknowledged my outreach but fully verified the entire Inauguration Day 2025 exchange at Capital One Arena. They escalated it straight to the Oval Office.

Then came the responses that brought me to tears. The first two official letters from the White House arrived just days before my birthday, filling me with overwhelming emotion and gratitude—a personal validation that my voice had truly been heard at the highest levels. It was an indescribable feeling, like a lifelong dream realized in the most unexpected way. But the story didn’t end there. Just four days later, the White House elevated my correspondence even further, placing it on the iconic Resolute Desk where President Trump personally signed a special letter just for me on November 20, 2025. This heartfelt reply, along with the full exchange of letters, is now permanently archived in the National Archives under the Presidential Records Act, standing as enduring proof that in America, an ordinary citizen’s sincere words of love and support can resonate all the way to the presidency.

This journey from that electric moment at Capital One Arena on Inauguration Day 2025 to receiving those cherished White House letters isn’t about fame or politics—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, patriotism, and the American dream. If a quiet guy in a red hoodie from small-town Minnesota can make history with a shout from the heart, imagine what your voice could achieve.

If I could say anything to President Trump and the First Lady, it would be this: Thank you. Thank you for seeing me that day. In my whole life, I’ve been ignored and treated like I don’t matter, but in that moment at Capital One Arena on Inauguration Day 2025, when you stepped onto the viewing stand right before the parade started, I felt it deep in my heart.

During that quiet pause, I wanted to yell and speak on behalf of the American people to tell you that we love you. You both have been through hell in the years leading up to that inauguration, and I needed you to know, right then, that I love you—and that I spoke for so many Americans who feel the same

I got a picture with President Abraham Lincoln at the All American Gala on January 18th, 2025

This is me standing on the floor of Capital One Arena just after everyone left after the Inaugural Parade

Me holding up an Inauguration Day Flag inside Capital One Arena

This is Nicholas “Nick” Petersen sleeping outside in the bitter cold overnight heading into Inauguration Day 2025

President Donald J.Trump’s Campaign told us if we wanted to get into Capital One Arena on January 20th that we would need to come right back outside and get right back in line

That was the coldest night of my life but the patriotism was pulsing through my veins.

If President Trump could go through hell and survive. I knew I could survive one bitterly cold night outside in Washington DC to be first in line. Statistically I am most likely the only Private civilian to write themselves into Presidential History with just 5 words...