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| Newly elected President Barack Obama |
Today is a historic day for American citizens as Barack Obama took the oath of office at the National Mall at noon in Washington DC. This day is about to end for Americans but will surely make another mark in the history of the USA and for the rest of the world. The presidential inauguration was attended by roughly over 13,000 people and was witnessed by millions of people around the globe according to the news.
I fell asleep around 2pm yesterday, woke up at 7PM and waited patiently until past midnight (12 noon US time) and was glued to CNN the whole time for the inauguration of Obama and Biden. Obama's oath was delayed for like 20-30 minutes it was scheduled to be at 12:01 but nevertheless it was worth the wait. His speech was great as the New York Times puts it "it was pragmatic and hopeful," I totally agree. It was so beautiful it brought Americans to tears. One of the lady news anchors for CNN admitted that she was crying while listening to Obama's speech.
The legendary "Queen of Soul" singer Aretha Franklin, she wore a hat with the biggest ribbon I've ever seen, sang her heart out "My Country, 'Tis of Thee." Other performances include John Williams composition whose music was heard at Obama’s victory party on election night in Grant Park his new piece was played by Perlman on violin, Yo-Yo Ma on cello, Gabriela Montero on piano and Anthony McGill on clarinet. Indeed, it was a serious moment but there were a few noticeable bluffs, I like that because it shows that they have a human side too, everyone's really serious you know.
As a first timer in the inaugural stage it wouldn't be surprising for Obama to be nervous, like messing up the oath, he paused after saying "that I will solemnly execute..." while wife Michelle was looking at him and waiting for the rest of the words to come out of his mouth, unfortunately, she can't help him repeat the words so Chief Justice Roberts had to do it again but just like a contagious disease that Obama spread, he fumbled on the words either so instead of saying "that I will execute the office of..." he interchanged it to "the of...faithfully the pres...the office of the president of the United States." With respect to the constitution, Obama corrected Roberts and himself until it was finally over.
Going back, Obama's 18-minute speech focused on sensitive issues like racial discrimination, the need to rebuild America with of course the help of its people and many other others but the most memorable part to me was when he stressed:
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. they are serious and they are many. they will not be met easily or in a short span of time. but know this, America — they will be met."
Those words made Americans emotional and spirits soar high. I hope that Obama will bring forth change not just to his nation but and will serve as an instrument to bridge the gap among nations.
For a transcript of Obama's speech, read it here:
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