A clear blue sky, several American flags and country music set the stage for Mitt Romney’s victory rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Fl.

Spirits were high after the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Tampa, which was held August 28-30.

Although I arrived when the doors opened at 7:30 a.m., the sizable crowd kept me waiting for 50 minutes until I was able to reach the main stage. Lively conversations about the RNC filled the air. Overall, the consensus was Romney and Ryan had done well in Tampa. I was eager to hear what the candidates would say and witness the reactions of the attendees.

When I finally got to the main stage, I found the perfect place to watch the rally. From my spot, I could see the stage surrounded by American flags, two airplanes with Romney’s message, “Believe in America” and a number of security guards. Behind me stood the press, which included reporters from Bay News 9 and CNN.

As I was waiting to hear the candidates speak, I had the opportunity to speak with Peggy Shutt, a Romney campaign volunteer from the victory center in Orlando for the Catholic coalition. Although she had not attended the RNC, she had watched the convention on TV. As a pro-Romney/Ryan voter, she said that her views had not changed after the speeches of both candidates, but she said that for those voters who are undecided, the speeches played an important role.

When the time came for Romney and Ryan to appear, all eyes fell on the two planes that were stationed on the runway. However, the campaign surprised the crowd. A few minutes after 10 a.m., Romney and Ryan arrived with their wives on their campaign bus. Waving to the cheering crowds, the candidates looked fresh and relaxed after a hectic week in Tampa.

Paul Ryan led the introductions. He opened his speech by thanking Florida and its residents. He sent prayers to the people of Philippines and the people on the path of Hurricane Isaac. In his speech, Ryan reached out to Floridians and young voters. He spoke about the future of the college graduates who were unemployed or not working in their chosen field.

Welcomed by rounds of applause, Ann Romney then made a brief speech. She told the crowd that she listens to their concerns and pointed out the warm side of her husband.  She spoke to women, mothers and grandmothers in her speech.

Ann Romney’s speech then segued to her husband, Mitt Romney, who used his speech to stress his campaign’s five critical points: American energy independency, trade agreements, education reforms, balanced budget and small business.

For education reform, he said that he would be sure to provide support to the students who want an education. He added that the teachers’ unions would have to be removed. He also acknowledged the importance of the military in America. In his closing statement, he thanked the veterans in Florida.

After the speeches, music blasted, and Mitt Romney stepped into the crowd to shake hands. As he finished, he returned to the stage, joining Paul Ryan and the members of their families.

With the convention and the victory rally behind them, the Romney/Ryan campaign hits the road.