Inauguration of Barack Obama

This day was the most important day of change and a new era of the United States and also the world. I even stayed home just to watch the inauguration, not knowing that Media Arts/Comm Tech. would be showing it. It all started when Barack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama went to the church to pray before meeting the Bushes (George W. Bush and Laura Bush) to have a cup of coffee. At that time, people were coming in U.S. Capitol and a group of people that actually had silver tickets (tickets that get closer seats) were not accepted because of security reasons therefore they were really upset. After all the ex-presidents such as Bill Clinton and James Carter were introduced and seated. Obama's Daughters, Wife and Mother-In-Law were also seated. Joe Biden (vice president) was introduced and seated with his wife Jill Biden. Around 11:30 Obama was introduced and seated while people were shouting "Obama!" while he looked anticipated. The Inauguration opened up with Senator Dianne Feinstein, followed up by a Innvocation said by Pastor Rick Warren, to me had a great say in this Inauguration and everything that he said came from his heart. After this, Aretha Franklin at the age of 66 still had the amazing vocals, singing My Country, Tis Thee. Biden was sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. A Musical selection of "Air and Simple Gifts," by John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano), and Anthony McGill (clarinet) was taken placed. Then, as Obama and Chief Justice John G. Roberts recited the Oath of Office, Obama interrupted Roberts halfway through the opening line.Roberts then incorrectly recited the Oath of office, stating, "that I will execute the Office of President to the United States faithfully" (rather than "that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States"). Obama began to recite I will execute and paused, whereupon Roberts attempted to correct his mistake by saying "faithfully the Office of President of the United States".Obama repeated Roberts' first mistaken phrase. The rest of the oath was completed without trouble. Then the time we been all waiting for Obama's Inauguration speech, here he talked about how he is going to change America, "though there are non-believers, they have short memory, they have forgetten what America has done, and what America is capeable of doing", but his main point in his Inauguration to me, was the fact that it is not only the governments responsiblity to make America a better place, it's the citizens of America to actually make the change, and the government will help to fix that. Obama ended off by saying "God bless all of you, and God bless the United States of America". Following this a poem was read by Elizabeth Alexander. Then there was a Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery. Following this, there was a National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters". Follwing this President Obama escorted former President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. Capitol A luncheon at the Capitol has been part of the inaugural program since 1953 (before that, the luncheon was usually held at the White House and hosted by the outgoing President and First Lady). The menu often includes dishes representative of the home states of the new President and Vice President, and in 2009 included seafood stew, a pheasant and duck dish, and apple cinnamon sponge cake with sweet cream glacé for dessert. Since 1985, a painting has been chosen to serve as a backdrop for the head table. In 2009, it was Thomas Hill's 1865 View of the Yosemite Valley, chosen to commemorate Abraham Lincoln's 1864 signing of the Yosemite Grant, which was the first time the federal government protected park lands for public use. During the inaugural luncheon, Senator Ted Kennedy collapsed. He suffered a seizure and was taken to a hospital to recover. Early reports suggested that Senator Robert Byrd also fell ill during the luncheon. The inaugural parade traveled along Pennsylvania Avenue northwestward from Capitol and ended at the north face of the White House. During the parade, Barack and Michelle Obama twice exited their limousine on Pennsylvania Avenue and walked a portion of the parade route, to the cheers of the crowds in attendance. Their second walk ended just before the gate to the White House. It has been traditional for the new President to walk instead of being driven, but the new armored limousine was used because of potential threats. Obama's daughters, Malia and Sasha, traveled in his limousine and remained inside during the parade. Overall, this Inauguration was the first and best one I have ever watched, and I look forward to see Barack Obama's actions that he stated he will do for the United States which will affect worldwide also.


Barack Obama taking the Oath

Source of Blog: Wikipedia