The inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States occurred in front of more than 1 million spectators along the National Mall was unique in American history because Obama is the first African-American elected to the U.S. presidency (Hunt, 2009). Being sworn in on the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln, the "pomp and circumstance" lasted more than four hours on the Capitol platform with Obama assailing Americans to choose "hope over fear" and "unity of purpose over conflict and discord" (Hunt, 2009, p. 1). Obama reached out to all Americans in reminding them that tough times are the case and greater personal and governmental accountability are needed to reinvigorate the American economy, labor force and spirit.
Aretha Franklin opened the official ceremonies with a patriotic song that spoke of letting freedom ring, while Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman and other musicians played a tribute song before Vice-President Joe Biden preceded Barack Obama in the swearing in process. Obama stumbled a bit at first, missing a few words during the swearing in process by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, seeming as if he also found it difficult to believe this barrier in American politics and society had been breached. As such, his speech after the swearing in process reminded all Americans of the values most associated with democracy: "all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness" (Hunt, 2009, p. 1). After the ceremonies at the Capitol, President Obama and First Lady Obama rode in a limousine for the traditional 1.5 mile parade to the White House. Coming at a time of economic, military and social crisis, the inauguration promised hope and change through courage and perseverance.
Hunt, T. (2009). Obama takes office, saying choose "hope over fear." Associated Press. Retrieved 20 January 2009 at: http://apnews1.iwon
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