When Barack Obama became president, he asked Americans to rise to the challenge in his call for national service. I truly believe that there is something every American can do to serve their community and their fellow man, and to help those in need.

As the largest export in Fiji, FIJI Water has a fundamental responsibility to give back to our community. Throughout our history, we have invested in education programs and health care projects that directly benefit the people of Fiji. And the FIJI Water Foundation, seeded by the company’s owners, Lynda and Stewart Resnick, and funded by contributions from our employees worldwide, has provided access to clean water in over 100 communities in Fiji, along with relief aid during natural disasters, support for schools, and critical medical services in this developing nation.

No matter where you live, there are organizations that need your help. You might start by locating a Salvation Army nearby, or by contacting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and offering your time. But you don”t have to volunteer at a nationally recognized organization just to serve the community where you live. A simple act of kindness can have the greatest impact of all. Try helping your neighbors take their trash out, or walking an elderly person across the street. Buy a sandwich for a hungry war veteran or visit a local animal shelter and ask if you can walk a dog. The most important thing to remember is that change starts with you. You can be the change you hope to see in others.

Will you rise to the challenge?

Regardless of your political views, there was much to celebrate that night – a peaceful transition of power, the nation’s first African-American president, and more. And the FIJI Water team found something else to celebrate too – the fact that our new president-elect has great taste! Check out the FIJI Water in the Obamas’ suite.

So let”s start with the journey to Mile High Stadium. And a journey it was, despite the fact I was staying in downtown Denver! An abbreviated timeline:

• 1:30 pm: Left the hotel
• 1:42 pm: Got on the Light Rail toward Mile High Stadium
• 2:07 pm: Got into line far, far, far away from the stadiumÖas one guy quipped, “a mile long line to get into a mile high stadium”
• 3:58 pm: Went through the security check
• 4:33 pm: Sat down inside Mile High Stadium, near the 50 yard line facing the stage, on the first level
• 4:33 pm onward: Watched history in the making

On the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”s “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, DC, Sen. Obama, the first ever African-American nominated for president by a major political party, stood up and accepted the nomination “with profound gratitude and great humility.”

Speaking of gratitude and humility, I was so grateful and humbled not only to be present for this historic moment, but also to sit in the stands alongside many whose sacrifices had made this day possible, and to remember and honor many others like them who could not be there.

Funnily enough, one of the most succinct summaries of this moment’s historical significance came from Gov. Mike Huckabee, on Wednesday at the Republican National Convention: “So, I say with sincerity that I have great respect for Senator Obama’s historic achievement to become his party’s nominee — not because of his color, but with indifference to it. Party or politics aside, we celebrate this milestone because it elevates our country.”

And there was indeed a great deal to celebrate that night, not just for Democrats or Americans, but for anyone who cares about making the world a better place. It was worth waiting for — and I’m not just talking about the line to the stadium.

Sounds simple enough, no? Well, as a political novice, I found there were many twists and turns that were quite confusing for an outsider, but resulted in some interesting moments and an altogether memorable experience.

The roll call began simply enough, with Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa…

During the roll call, each delegation shares a few (or many) words about what makes its state or territory special. It is the cutest thing, if only because I’m a sucker for neat trivia and historical facts. A few examples of the kinds of facts each delegation shares:

• Guam is the first part of America on which the sun rises every morning. (Forgive my ignorance, I’d always heard it was Maine but now know better.)
• Idaho was the birthplace of Sacajawea, the Native American woman who helped guide the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark expedition in the American West.
• Minnesota is home to the collegiate national champion Minnesota-Duluth women’s hockey team. (Really!)

As one delegation after another announced its votes, I settled in to enjoy the proceedings. When they got to California, though, I was in for a surprise – California and its 441 delegates “passed,” meaning they elected not to cast their votes. Huh?!?

I was wondering if all the Democratic primary voters in California had cast their votes in vain. It was completely bewildering. But when Illinois, Senator Obama’s home state, also passed, I figured something was up.

The voting continued until the roll call reached New Mexico. New Mexico, instead of voting or passing, announced that it would “yield” to Illinois, making it Illinois’s turn to vote again. As the Illinois delegation spoke about its state and senator, Senator Clinton entered the convention hall! At that point, we all realized what was going on. Illinois would yield to New York, and Senator Clinton herself would make the motion to suspend the vote and nominate Senator Obama by acclamation.

The convention had planned for California and Illinois to pass, so that the total delegate count would remain below the number needed and the roll call would not end before it reached New Mexico and New York. The delegate roll call was pure theater – not a “real” vote – but very entertaining for someone like me who had no idea what was going on!

And ultimately, it was amazing to be present at the first ever nomination of an African-American for U.S. president by a major political party. As I’ve mentioned before, I think most will agree regardless of their political leanings that this is an extraordinary moment in history. And it was wonderful to be a part of it in person.

Other updates from Wednesday…

• Still haven’t found the Obama earrings. I’ve learned my lesson: Shop first and ask questions later!
• Celebrity sightings: Saw Ben Affleck not once but twice at my hotel. I didn’t know he was growing a beard! Also saw Steven Spielberg posing for a photo with a couple of fans.
• Visited the tent where the DNC is providing FIJI Water for its volunteers to keep them hydrated in the hot Denver weather. (And, in case it matters to you, FIJI Water will also be at the Republican Governors’ Assocation events at the convention in St. Paul next week, along with some Young Republican events. Everyone needs to stay hydrated.)

• Charles Barkley scolding me for being outside at the CNN Grill in a light drizzle (it was about 10 drops of rain total!) instead of going indoors. He is a big, big man. Funny, too. I stayed outside anyway, it was beautiful and the Denver sky is really lovely. Still, it was so much fun to see (and hear!) “Sir Charles” in person!
• Seeing the really big crowds start to arrive. If you saw the security check line that CNN was broadcasting, you know what I’m talking about. And yes, I was standing in that loooong line at one point. Am I a dork for looking at the footage early this morning to see if I was on TV? And squinting at the tiny faces in the crowd to see if I could find myself or anyone I met in line? (The answer is yes.)
• Attending the MTV Rock the Vote party at the 5 Degrees nightclub in Denver. FIJI Water was one of the sponsors, and we had a water bar that not only looked gorgeous, but also shared some great facts about forest conservation, recycling, and how we can all make a difference for the better. I’ll share pictures and more details in a future posting.
• Some guy on the street trying to sell me a pair of Obama earrings. They were dangling earrings with his face as the “charm.” I realized later (after I’d declined) that those earrings would be an awesome or at least hilarious memento to show the grandkids someday! Gotta look for that guy today. I’ll post a picture if I do find them.
• Just taking it all in. The crowds, the energy, the enthusiasm, the drama…this is seriously fun.