A Page in History

Today at noon the world stood still. Today Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America.

It was such a treat... just awesome. I went to campus around 11:30am to park in front of the diner's flat screen at have my taste of history. The area was crowded; people were packed in every corner. I found a little spot on the floor and soaked up every moment. The next hr and a half was just amazing. Everyone was silent and still with their eyes glued to the television. The last time I remember things at a standstill like this was during 9/11. This of course was a much happier occasion.

On the television you saw what was estimated between 1 and 2 million people waiting to hear Obama's speech.

"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive ... that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America."

Rev. Joseph Lowery gave the benediction and added a little humor in closing. Some found it offensive. My mouth dropped slightly but hey... it is what it is. Here's what he said in closing...

"Lord, in the memory of all the saints who from their labors rest, and in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to get in back, when brown can stick around... when yellow will be mellow... when the red man can get ahead, man; and when white will embrace what is right. That all those who do justice and love mercy say Amen."

That's just a piece of the day. I would take up a lot more space if gave all the details. Wherever you were today, whatever your political views, I hope you took the time to watch this monumental moment in history. I am so proud to be here and to have been able to experience this day.