Just a few days before the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln, President Barack Obama ascended as the country’s 44th president. It is historically significant that Obama, the country’s first African American president, was sworn in on the 200th year birth anniversary of Lincoln, who is a hero to many black Americans for his leadership during the Civil War.
Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address expressed hope that the sacrifice of those who died to preserve the nation shall lead to a new beginning—"that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth".
Like Lincoln before him, Obama expresses hope for the future; which is why the choice of the inaugural theme "A New Birth of Freedom" was significantly appropriate.
"At a time when our country faces major challenges at home and abroad, it is appropriate to revisit the words of President Lincoln, who strived to bring the nation together by appealing to ‘the better angels of our nature’," said Senator Dianne Feinstein of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
As the first African-American president, Obama honored Lincoln by taking the oath of office with his hand placed on the same Bible that Lincoln used during his first inauguration in 1861.
The historic nature of Barack Obama’s ascendance to the presidency guaranteed that his inauguration would be distinctly unforgettable as well. An intense feeling of patriotism has swept across the country. A newspaper reported that a couple of days before the inauguration, in a mall in Washington, hundreds of thousands belted out "This Land is Your Land" led by 90-year-old labor activist and folk singer Pete Seeger who was blacklisted in the 50s. Many white middle-aged working people can’t help but shed a few tears as they listened to a black children’s choir sing America the Beautiful.
Obama’s elaborate inauguration, like other presidential inaugurations, was an event that’s about as close to a royal coronation as American government gets. It was a day excitedly watched by a huge crowd gathered in front of the US Capitol building and by millions across the globe. The extravagant affair, which reportedly cost $170 million, was filled with ceremony, guards, salutes, parades, speeches, numerous parties and, of course, symbolism: of new beginnings, rites of passage, of change.
The inaugural festivities started at 10 am on the West Front of the US Capitol. Musical selections were featured by The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Other artists who performed were Aretha Franklin, John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet). Sen. Dianne Feinstein provided the call to order and welcoming remarks. Rev. Rick Warren from Saddleback Church gave the invocations. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens swore Vice President Joe Biden into office.
At noon, the president-elect became president on the steps of the west front of the US Capitol building in Washington, DC Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. swore in the president, with Obama affirming the oath, as mandated by the Constitution: " I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States." The newly elected President added the traditional "so help me God" to the constitutionally mandated statement.
A band played "Hail to the Chief" and the infantry guard gave a 21-gun salute before Obama made his inaugural address—his first speech to the country as president. Benediction was given by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, followed by The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band "Sea Chanters."
After Obama’s inaugural address, he escorted outgoing President George W. Bush to a departure ceremony. Obama and Biden proceeded as guests of honor to a luncheon held by the United States Congress immediately following the inaugural ceremony.
After lunch, the 56th Inaugural Parade made its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House. After all the pomp and ceremony, it was party time, with the Inaugural Ball, being the most anticipated inaugural celebration. The Presidential Inaugural Committee hosted 10 official inaugural balls.
The over-all feeling of most Americans during inauguration day was pride. Americans are proud to have reaffirmed America’s founding principle: that we are a society that truly believes that all human beings are created equal; that ours is a society where every child, of whatever background, can become be President of the United States. It was a day when America inspired people around the globe. A day the world will not soon forget.
( Published on January 21 2009 in MDWK Magazine p. 2 )
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