Where Were You When History Was Made?
Where were you when history was made and Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States? We Asked You To Help us capture this historic moment to share with our community.
We asked whether you made the trek to D.C. or caught it during a break at work, to tell us what you were doing and how you felt.
We promised we’d read everything you sent us and that we’d share our favorite responses on our website and with the Whitehouse.
Where were you when history was made and
Barack Obama was sworn in as President of the United States?
What are your thoughts about this historic event in our nation’s history?
Here’s some examples of the responses we have received so far:
| I was at work when Barack Obama was inaugurated. The last time the staff and I had stepped away from our daily work and came together to gather around a screen to watch an event was September 11, 2001. That day was transforming. Now, eight years later, we gathered to watch another transforming event. We do not know what will happen. But we do know that this President does inspire us with hope and inspires dedication to finding solutions. Working on problems and challenges is better than being kept in the dark and then just told to go shopping. I am happy the memory of that dark day on a lovely September day is now linked to this hopeful one occurring on a cold and snowy day in the midst of winter. This is where dreams for better days begin. And now it is back to work. We hold on now and plan for the Spring. - Sandra, Summit County |
| They had to cancel swimming due to a problem with the pool, so I was in car line listening at 11:45 a.m. We dashed down to Fountain Square in Cincinnati, where I parked illegally in taxi stand, and watched his speech from across the street, amidst the roar of buses, etc. I’d gladly pay a ticket to watch such a momentous event. President Obama. What wonderful, extraordinarily beautiful words! - Mark, Hamilton County |
| I whent to a friends house to see it on a big screen with 4 of us It was a GREAT time - Bob, Franklin County |
| Eating lunch at my desk watching the inauguration streaming from CNN.com. - Trisha, Franklin County |
| I had to be in San Antonio, TX. for a sales meeting with my company. They scheduled a day full of meetings. I told my boss I wouldn’t be there until after Obama’s speech which I watched by myself in my hotel room. I felt like I was in the middle of everything though with the help of MSNBC. These are better times. - Mason, Stark County |
| I was at work surrounded by Republicans while I was watching one of the most inspirational speeches I have ever heard. It was not the best atmosphere, but I was still overcome with emotion. - Linda, Franklin County |
| I was at home, with my son. He is 4mo. old and becoming very active opposed to eating and sleeping all day the first couple of months. He was being a little fussy as I was trying to watch the program and for some reason as soon a President Obama appeared on the screen he stopped fussing, stopped kicking, and spit his pacifier out, and just watched and listened. I don’t know what it was or if somehow he knew something big was happening, and I know when he’s older he won’t remember any of it but something about him said at that moment he understood. Then, as soon as the president was done speaking, he fell asleep before the next person even began to talk. It’s like he knew he has seen the most important of the events and then it was over, and he was sound asleep. - Brandi, Hamilton County |
| I watched at my home office. Then made a material donation to Habitat for Humanity - Alan, Franklin County |
| I was at work watching a live web stream. I am 25, and this is the biggest thing in history to happen in my lifetime. I helped to elect Barack Obama by voting and reminding others to vote. I feel excited to be part of history. I am proud of Obama for getting elected and proud of my county for electing him into office. I am excited about Obama’s plan for the country and have faith that he will renew the U.S. to stability and glory. - Danielle, Cuyahoga County |
| My 19 year old Daughter came Downtown Cleveland, OH to have lunch with me and we went to a restaurant that had a TV. I was very proud of the moment, for Barack and the Nation. and even more proud to have shared this with my Daughter whom vote for the 1st time in her life, and to see the excitement in her eyes was a pleasure. - Kyle, Cuyahoga County |
| My co-worker and I had the inaguration streaming in our office. I am more excited and hopeful for this president than I have ever been. For the first time in my lifetime, I believe we have a true world leader that has the talent and charisma to move this country and our world towards unity and peace. - Cheryl, Cuyahoga County |
| Where was I? I was at home- not watching. Why? Because I don’t believe Obama is the answer to our country’s problems. One man can’t change everything just by taking an oath and it saddens me that the majority of my country has been manipulated by the media to think that Barack Obama will solve all of our problems. It saddens me to think that some citizens of this country think that they can sit back and put their hand out and all of their problems will be solved. It saddens me that our new president and the inaugural commitee can spend millions on today’s festivities when our country is in economic crisis. Where are their priorities? […] - Jennifer, Lake County |
| I took the day off work (which should be a national holiday anyway), and cried my eyes out (happy tears) throug the entire ceremony. I’ve never been happier! This is the first campaign I’ve volunteered for and been so excited about! I’ve already joined up with my local Obama campaign group to continue volunteering in our community. He inspires me & I hope to inspire my 2-year-old daughter to do the same. - Amy, Warren County |
| On
Being “At” The Inauguration As I begin this essay, on the morning of my last full day of mourning over the choice my fellow Americans made for President in the two elections preceding the one whose winner will be inaugurated tomorrow, I find myself haltingly returning to practices that marked my life before those two elections gave us the President whose last full day this essay marks. I say “haltingly” because after eight years I feel a bit unsure whether my old practices will feel as good as I remember them, not to mention how difficult it is to think that tomorrow will actually come and the Emperor With Neither Clothes Nor Brains will actually go. Which is all to say that instead of turning on the news as soon as I got out of bed to find out what he had screwed up overnight, I played some Pink Floyd. Before he arrived, I used to refer to my house as “WPNK – All Pink Floyd, All the Time” Since he arrived, I just haven’t felt like celebrating – even though I have been a policy wonk for several decades. Happily – now that’s also a word I haven’t used for a long time – “Comfortably Numb” still sounds great, particularly as I discover that I am no longer feeling uncomfortably numb – even if the problems that he and his supporters created and left behind are serious enough to make anyone capable of paying attention both uncomfortable and numb. So does “Wish You Were Here” – sound great, that is. It’s my favorite Floyd song. It’s the song that initially motivated this essay. You see, for months I had been planning to be in DC this morning, getting ready for celebrating his departure and Obama’s inauguration. I wanted to be there, less so I could say “I was there”; instead so I would add my full 1.0 person to the visual body count that the world could see attesting to the fact of Obama’s inauguration and his predecessor’s ignominious rejection. |
| But,
concerns raised by people around me finally convinced me that having
Parkinson’s meant I wouldn’t be “up to” the rigors of weather, and crowd, and
trek to distant port-a-potties – after somehow getting from my friends’ house
to the Mall. So, as Floyd sang “Wish
You Were Here”, I sang – sort-of, with different words: “Wish I Were
There”. But then I started contemplating the difference between “here” and “there”. It occurred to me that there was no point, no specific place, along the way from where I live to Washington where I would leave “here” and enter “there”, that there would be no sign anywhere along the way that would read precisely “There…” and then indicate the distance to “There”. [Of course, there would be many signs indicating distance to DC.] Likewise, people on the other side of the highway would encounter no signs informing them of the distance to “Here”. After pondering these observations, I have realized that “Here” and “There” are constructions of dualistic minds. If Buddhists are right in saying that all there is is Now, then I am already “Now”, which is all that either “Here” or “There” can be. But, to indulge my unenlightened parts, for myself and even moreso for those who are disposed to count only those whom they see on their screens, I will say, “I still wish I were there, even if we already are.” - Robert A. Letcher, PhD, Franklin County |
| It was amazing! - Julielyn, Ingham County |
| I was in South Korea, 10 months deep into a year contract teaching English. I stayed up late to watch on the internet while I chatted with friends in Ohio, San Francisco and England. - Ann, Butler County |
| I was at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.A. at the science & Technology Lab doing some research work and studies. I am a 54 year old african-american who thought I would never see the day an african-american became president. I believed more that my children or grandchildren would have a better chance to witness this event than I would. But I give thanks to God and all of the historic heros and heroines of all races who helped make this possible. People such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, All the brave whiteamericans who sheltered black slaves as they fled slavery from the south, Harriet Tubman, President John Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, John Brown the Abolishionist, Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay), Danny Glover, Nelson Mandela, The soldiers of the Union Army of the U.S.A. during the civil war, Mathama Ghandi, Benazir Bhutto and many many more people of all races who have fought for peace & equality in the U.S.A. and the world!!!! May God bless the U.S.A. & may we all learn to live in peace throughout the world!!!!! - Curtis, Franklin County |
| I
was at my workplace. I work in a large
building that has about 10-12 big screen tvs in the atrium. Employees were gathered around – it felt
like I was part of something really important. I felt the biggest impact when Obama took
oath and everyone in the atrium burst into applause. Obama’s speech made me feel like the leadership of our country has direction and most of all a conscience. - Gretchen, Franklin County |
| I was at home when Barack Obama became our President, watching the TV coverage with some friends who work in largely-Republican offices where the Inauguration wasn’t being shown. We live in downtown Cincinnati, so we had a little impromptu viewing party for Dems that wanted a place to view history! My one-and-a-half year old daughter was taking her daily afternoon nap and missed the whole thing. I think there’s beauty in the fact that today is "just another day" for her, and that perhaps she will never know America as we have known it. I have hope that the America she will know will be one of peace and prosperity, and I truly believe today is the first step in that direction. It’s a truly magical day. - Carri, Hamilton County |
| I watched it on the big screen at work. I work for Housing Opportunities Made Equal in the United Way building and in the caferteria they set up the big screen for us to watch the speech and ceremonies there was about 50 other people in the room. - LaTonya, Hamilton County |
| I was in my room , not watching this sham, and praying for the country! - Virginia, Preble County |
| GOOSEBUMPS!! BUH-BYE, BUSH! - Libby, Franklin County |
| Downtown Latte is a woman-owned coffee shop next to the Obama campaign Toledo headquarters. Everyone who worked on the campaign was in and out of the shop for months. The owners, Connie Dick and Pam Burns, announced that they would prepare Senate Bean Soup and have a large TV in view for January 20. I arrived a bit after 10 and already the place was filling up. By 11:30 a full room was happily watching the proceedings, warming ourselves with good soup, coffee and campaign memories. We broke into applause frequently, stood to sing the national anthem, and readily (if not giddily) bid the Bushes farewell. Just a great spot for 50 or so Toledoans who worked on the successful campaign to bring a new leadership for change to our country. - Hugh, Lucas County |
| Our boss closed down the office and we invaded the bar across the street. Watching in silence and awe at what will surely be one of the most amazing moments in our lifetime!!! - Sara, Hamilton County |
| Me and my two Children attended the showing of the Inauguration in Downtown Columbus Ohio at the Arena Grand Theater right next door to Nationwide Arena where the BlueJackets play. It was a life-changing experience in ever sense of the word. Absoulutely awesome. - Teri, Franklin County |
| I was at work which isn’t terribly exciting. What I did find revelatory though was our network department had to ask people NOT to watch the inauguration video online as all the streams were degrading performance. Now that’s something I don’t remember from 2000 or 2004. Also, I felt proud of the White House for the first time in, wow—has it been 8 years? Peace : ) - Vanessa, Franklin County |
| I was in our vacation home in Winter Haven, Florida where we are experiencing an unusual cold snap. The temperature this morning was in the 40’s and everyone was complaining. When I saw the millions of people on television who braved the cold to be at the Presidential Innaguration, I was suddenly warmed by the greatness of this magnificant day. - Joan, Lorain County |
| I came home from work at lunch so I could watch it alone and pray and burn sage. (I have some native american heritage) I broke down and cried half way through the invocation when the Rev. spoke about Martin Luther King and others smiling down on us from heaven. And then the emotion of realizing Obama became president during that beautiful song by YoYO Ma!!!! The speech! And the closing prayer! AMEN! AMEN! AMEN! I was a little girl when Kennedy became president and I feel like what we have been yearning for ever since has returned! - linda, Stark County |
| I left my desk and went to one of the conference rooms where the tv was already turned on and watched with several of my coworkers.We were all amazed at the tremendous crowd gathered there in D. C. and were wishing we could have been there in person to witness one of the most inspiring and historical events in our country. - Doris, Lucas County |
| I watched from home with tears in my eyes and a full heart. I wished that my mother was alive to see this day. When she was five, in 1922, she had to hide in a root cellar as KKK burned a cross in her parent’s yard. Ironically, evil can great goodness. My mom became a quiet fighter against prejudice of any sort and she passed that legacy on to me. I have great hopes for Barack Hussein Obama and I wish him God’s protection and care as he carries out the duties of the 44th President of the United States. - Libby, Franklin County |
| Listening to President Obama, it became very clear to me why there are some people that cannot accept the change. As a mexican american and a minority, I identify with what was said and relate to what this world is in need of. We as people of the United States must remember WE THE PEOPLE can make a change for the better. We need to support our president and think of others more than ourselves. - Eliesa, Cuyahoga County |
| I was in my living room, laughing and crying as I watched the event on TV. I am a 73-year-old white woman and I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. - Susan, Franklin County |
| With my family — father, mother and son — in the living room watching on the widescreen TV. - John, Hamilton County |
| At home, watching it on TV with the wife, both of us are retired, loved it , both of us had tears in our eyes,God bless Obama. John & Dee - John, Mahoning County |
| I was in my classroom with 29 students watching every minute. We sang God Bless America before the program began, you could of heard a pin drop. - Patty, Cuyahoga County |
| I was working. I have been repeatedly disappointed by the President-Elect Barack Obama and the excitement that I shared during the campaign had worn off almost instantly. Campaign promises to change direction, defend the Constitution and hold people accountable started being diluted from the moment he gave his acceptance speech on November 4th. I worked very hard to help Barack make history and he has hung me out to dry with almost every decision he has made during his transition. The "Hope" that helped elected Barack is gone and I am left with a sinking sick feeling. - Denis, Lucas County |
| In the sanctuary of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ in Akron, OH watching it with other folks on the large screen. - David, Summit County |
| I am spending the winter in Florida with my daughter and 14 year old grandson. My grandson was off school today and we watched the whole event. I was very emotional and hopeful for our nation and in his acceptance speech, President Obama spoke to the nation, each and every one of us and to the entire world. I have so much hope for this man. I believe he is a leader who will make America great once more. God Bless America and God Bless our new president Barack H. Obama. - Joy, Wayne County |
| I was sitting in front of my TV with my wife and grandson. As I was sitting there, I thought to myself: Gee, I guess that by now Ann Coulter knows what a Community Organizer actually does!!! - Dennis, County |
| As a retiree, on a very limited fixed income, I watched it all on tv here at home. Obama was not my first choice, Senator Clinton was, but I admire and have great faith in him. This country has a long ways to go to come back, but I hope it will. - Judy, Ashtabula County |
| This
is my inauguration story. We are a white family. Our two children were raised to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s Birthday as a serious, solemn birthday holiday. The Monday morning began, each year, just as their own birthdays always had, with a cake at breakfast time and with a present for each child. It was always a "serious", not frivolous, present — a book, a carved wooden animal from Africa, a bracelet from a fair trade store in our city. We ate breakfast at our dining room table with our best china and silverware, and discussed for a sentence or two from each, what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.‘s ideas meant to us. Here was my purpose: to get my children to pay attention, for a lifetime, to matters of peace, non-violence,and racial equality. I reasoned that you get children’s attention when you set aside a day — Christmas, their birthdays — to give them a gift. That is why we celebrated Dr. King’s birthday in this way, all through their elementary and middle school years. There was one Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birthday Holiday which was heartbreaking. President George Herbert Walker Bush chose THAT day to declare war on Iraq, the Gulf War. I was devastated — a day to celebrate the life of our country’s foremost practitioner of non-violence was now the the day to begin violence against another country. My children were 10 and 7. They didn’t know about war. Our home was, safe, warm, and cozy. As my protest — and to comfort myself against this outrage — I curled up with both girls on the living room couch and paged with them through the book "I Dream A World" , the book with beautiful pictures and stories of courageous African American women. I resolved to give a copy of this book to the elementary school on my street, and to go to classes in that school — Kentucky School — to show students the pictures and tell them the stories |
| of these amazingly strong women. It was my way to protest George Bush’s Gulf
War and his desecration of Dr. King’s
birthday. That was, I believe, 1991. Flash forward, now, to 2008. Same house. Same dining room, same living room, on the evening of November 3rd. It was dark. It was nearing time to go to bed. My husband and I had made all our preparations and contacts for the Houdini work he would do tomorrow, and the canvassing I would do tomorrow, November 4th. I began to feel the intense sense of anticipation I have always felt on Christmas Eve: something very important is about to happen. That slow, deep sense of "something important" was with me as it became dark in my house and as I prepared for bed. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TOMORROW WILL BE IMPORTANT. I want to attend this inauguration so that I can tell you and Michelle, in person, about that feeling, in my house, in my dining room, in my living room. The same dining room which hosted birthday parties for Dr. King, the same living room which held two girls and "I Dream a World". On the night before this election, I knew that something very important was about to happen, and it took my breath away. - Mitsi, Cuyahoga County |
| I
was at work in a meeting! Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to catch any of the
news coverage due to a heavy workload.
However, I intend to catch up tonight.
This is indeed one of the most historic moments in the history of this
country. I am very pleased at the
American people! Kathy - Kathy, Cuyahoga County |
| I work at Montgomery County Community Action Partnership and the Staff took their lunch hour together to watch this great historic event. I attended the speech MLK made in 1968, so this was really a surprise to see a black man become president. I like what he has said about helping everyone, not just the rich. - Lorana M., Montgomery County |
| I was watching out new president being sworn in with high school students. We were all in awe! - Tristine, Lorain County |
| At work, using cnn.com’s streaming video and their partnership with Facebook! Feeling excited for a tremendous 8 years of hard work potential sacrifice to turn this country around. Thank you for the renewed hope President Obama! It is not a short process. - Donnald, Cuyahoga County |
| I
was at Mount Union College in Alliance, OH – the whole office sat down to
watch! I feel so proud and full of hope! - Mary, Stark County |
| I was having my hair cut, my salon is very high tech and has LCD TVs hanging all around. I look over at two ladies under the heat dryers. Both were watching the tv above them with smiles on their faces. I will also remember at that moment "The Change has come and people are happy about it" - Liz, Franklin County |
| I was at an inauguration brunch at a friend’s house celebrating this historic occasion with the same people I shared the victory election night back in November! President Obama’s speech brought tears to my eyes and I am so happy and hopeful for the future. I know it will be a difficult road ahead, but I am ready to do my part in my community and to write my congressman and senators to back up the President. As a professional biologist, I am so thankful to hear that science will be treated with respect and used to help solve some of the difficult problems we face! What a relief. - Emy, Butler County |
| I
work for the Department of Defense, am currently working in Germany. We are six hours ahead of D.C. time, at
the time of the inauguration, I was in Heidelberg, outside the Tae Kwon Do
studio where my six-year-old triplets are students. But there was no way I was going to miss
the inauguration…. I was crazily scanning radar stations. Every single FM radio station kept talking about Obama, Every single station on AM radio was airing the proceedings. The problem was that these broadcasts were all in different languages for diferent countries…. French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., and as the English was spoken, it was interpreted into other languages. Very difficult to follow. In the end, I finally found BBC from England, and was able to catch Obama’s Oath and Speech without the interpreters. It’s been a long time coming, the world is ready. Now it’s tme to get to work. - Richard, County |
| I was watching at home with my two young daughters, they youngest just shy of 2 months and the oldest just shy of 2 years. - Tomesha, Cuyahoga County |
| We were shocked as to the crowd size leading as far as to the Washington Memorial. An indication for all of us that Pres. Obama has made a deal impact on the majority. I pray that with the problems he inherited from Geo.Bush, he and his Cabinet can bring about healing in our country, hopefully negotiate the mid-Eastern concerns, end the war we should never have encountered, bring better health care to families/seniors,improve teachers to better impact better education for all children, make big business more accountable with their finances, and stop the heads of companies/universities from taking the many perks they seem to feel they are entitled. All the above is related less work hours & total greed. Professional sports salaries have become ridiculous. Has our nation lost its accountability to the common man. Dear Pres. Obama has so many problems to be encountered. My husband and I, as two white seniors, pray for him and his numerous decisions in the future. I feel he will be a great leader/communicator. We have never been so proud to have Obama as our President, and Joe Bidden as V.P. Looking forward to the future – finally. - Shirley, County |
| I
was at the King Art Complex in Columbus, OH. It was a time in my life that I
did not want to be alone. I sat beside a young lady that I did not know, but
we were on the same page; we huged, cried and screamed through the entire
program. My throughts was: what can I do to help my new President? It is one day that I will not forget; I through of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and I know he was looking down on us.(I just wish he was still here) He brought me a long ways; before his time I throught I was to stay on my side of the street and the others on the other side. At my age I have come through a lot things; picking cotton when the White Children were going to school, I did not know any better, when Dr. King stept up I was with him; thou I could not vote, I was with my Father in MS regestering people to vote. What a mighty God we Serve. With Faith all things are possable. Bobbie - Bobbie, Franklin County |
| I was at home surrounded by my four grandsons who are all under 11. - Karen, Union County |
| I
watched this wonderful historical moment in the comfort of my home with my
husband of 45 years. I amof hispanic decent and witnessed and was victim of
discrimination through our my life. I still see/hear it and experience it.
But this is a huge step forward for America. I have 4 daughters, 2 working
very hard for their daughters. I have a daughter who has returned to school
in her forties to fulfill her dream and a daughter who homeschools her
children (5) who has been abandoned by their father. My prayers are that our
new president make a world where my 9 grandaughters and 2 grandsons can work,
thrive and succeed. God bless president Obama, his familly and our country. PS My mother Olga Bama who will be 89 next week is soooo very excited to share his last name as she sees it..O. Bama - Sandra, Franklin County |
| I was proud to be with my 85 yr old mother who is a "Yellow Dog Democrat" She and my father, who is now deceased, never missed voting in an election. My mother has been glued to the television watching CNN. She called me on Saturday to inform me that Obama was on the train ride, that Lincoln also took to DC prior to his inaugraution. She said she cried. And she cried as she watched him sworn in as our 44th president. She turned to me and said, "You know the black people were really treated badly." She and I live in the Southeastern part of Franklin County, who helped make Ohio Blue. I have a real estate office in Groveport, which is about 30 minutes from Columbus. My office was used as the Obama Headquarters for this area during the month of October through about a week after election day. I wish I could say it was uneventful, and that I didn’t encounter any problems, but, because this is a mostly Red area, I received less than an approval for my inviting the Obama people into my humble real estate office. My mother who lives just a few blocks away from my office had her sign burned on its metal frame the first Saturday after the election. She left it up until only a few days ago, as she is ready to "let it go." And even with the business I lost and the clients who took their business elsewhere, I would do it all again. My elderly mother and I hope and pray that our country can move forward, MOVE ON, and be the great nation we are. That we can look at this man and see beyond the color of his skin. For we are all Gods children. God bless America. - Marylee, Franklin County |
| At 11:30 I was at work and realized that my tv was not set to record, so I raced home to turn the vcr on. I intended to return to work immediately, but was so caught up by the moment that I wound up staying to watch for an hour. I used up a little vacation time, but it was worth it! - Maureen, Washington County |
| I was taking my 13 year old daughter back to school after a doctor’s appointment. We got into the car just before Vice President Biden was sworn in —- perfect timing. It was so neat because she and I got to share together (via radio) one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had — being a witness to the 44th presidential inauguration. It gave me another opportunity to express to her my pride at being a Black American citizen in the United States of America! And, it also gave me another opportunity to instill that same sense of American pride in her. What a miraculous day! - Darnella, Summit County |
| I
was ar my office, working hard, with the TV on and the sound up pretty loud,
watching since 9:00 this morning. For the first time in 8+ years, I felt relief, excitement, jubilation and real HOPE! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last from the Rrpublican insanity. - Saundra, Hamilton County |
| My friend Linda and I sat in my living room and viewed it on TV, snacked and teared up in joy. - James, Lucas County |
| I timed my lunch break to coincide with the inauguration speech. I watched it at my desk. It was absolutely amazing. I’m a white Catholic, and I was sniffling back the tears. This is a man who can truly unify America. What really got me was the part about the people that are angry or racist – he said if they unclench their fists, he will then take their hands and lead them too. He is the President for all Americans, even the ones who don’t like him. He is even willing to help them and listen to the opposition (the dinner he threw for McCain celebrating his years of service is a first, as far as I know, of a political rival throwing a party to honor his opponent the night before the election. Wow! - Shelley, Franklin County |
| I
was in my office. we shut down business for 45 minutes. bad decision on my
part but i thought we should not miss this live event. Unfortunately, most of
my staff and I were highly dissapointed and totally uninspired by the speach
as were most of the people in the crowd, who seemed uninspired also. I say
this because i did not hear very many applause and the applause i did hear
were not very energetic. Overall a major disappointment. Much like most of todays so-called leaders. I think it is time to stop putting our faith and hopes in just one man, and start to re-assess our local leaders judging them on their morals, values and character. if we can do this and be honest with ourselves and demand the type of representation that reflects OUR values and seek out those we can trust will represent us (we the people) by holding these same values, morals and character close then and only then do i think REAL CHANGE will occur. But Obama is not change he is just DIFFERENT than what this country is used to represents. He will be beholden to money (can you say George Soros) and the ideals that that money demands (can you say George Soros – socialism, despotism). it is time for new and honest, and sincere ideas. not the same old talking points designed to fool the under and uneducated masses into believing things of importance will be dealt with. just talking points spoken without any intention of changing anything. our countries people lack the intelligence to vote correctly. we have become a third world country where the people are so stupid that it would be a bad thing to have them vote. well that day is close at hand. now i have to work on preventing the Constitutional Convention that is very seriously close to being a reality. THE STRUGGLE TO end progressive euro socialism begins today. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed are an embarrassment and a reason why Seniority should not apply to this type of appointment. - Michael, Cuyahoga County |
| I was at the North Market in Columbus, Ohio, where I work. All the vendors and their workers, as well as a huge number of customers, crowded around one tiny little television set at the flower shop.When the oath was administered, and Barack Obama became President Barack Hussein Obama, a bottle of champagne was uncorked. Tears flowed along with the wine, and spontaneous, resounding cheer accompanied enthusiastic applause from the entire crowd. I’m once more proud to be an American. - Jacki, Franklin County |
| I was with about fifty 4th, 5th and sixth graders at a public elementary school, all piled into one classroom around a TV screen. Even the normally rowdy students were attentive; it was clear to them what a momentous occasion this was. Afterwards, the lead teacher facilitated a review and a discussion of what had been said, and invited them to each write a poem expressing their thoughts and feelings. Not all shared, but some that did brought tears to my eyes, not the first such moment of the afternoon. The awareness of the meaning of this auspiscious occasion in their young minds — as an opportunity for the course of human history to be changed — was evident. I felt glad and grateful to have shared this new beginning with these young people — our future. - Paulette, Hamilton County |
| My daughter and I were unable to make the trip to DC, so we invited family over for an Obama Pajama party complete with Obama pancakes, bacon, coffee, juice, a scrapbook and a large-screen television. Oh, and no line for the bathroom! It was a wonderful way to mark this historic moment. - Noelle, Cuyahoga County |
| I was listening and watching with much joy perched on the edge of my chair to be able to see this historic event unfold before my eyes. It is with much hope and anticipation that Barack will be able to with the peoples help turn the economy around. People need to realize we didn’t get this way overnite and it will take more than overnite to be back in full force. It can be done we just need to support each other and work together to reach a common goal. - Carol, Fairfield County |
| I
gathered in rural northeast Ohio with a few felloe Democrats, alumni of the
Obama campaign. We had brunch, we
watched the swearing-in and the Inaugrationspeech on BBC, we toasted our new
President with a nice glass of riesling, and we cried; all of us, men and
women together, with joy. Afterwards we were all exhausted. The clouds parted, the sun shone.[An near-miracle in N.E. Ohio in January!] It was, indeed, (and at last!), a new day in America. HAIL TO OUR NEW CHIEF!! - Betsy, Wayne County |
| I
teach Physics at DeVry in Columbus, OH. My class watched Barack Obama’s
inaugural speech on CNN. After the speech we discussed a solar energy physics
problem. Everybody agreed that green collar jobs would help get our economy
on track. Now I am listening to a podcast about the book "Physics for
Future Presidents". http://www.cbc.ca/quirks/archives/08-09/qq-2009-01-17.html - Greg, Franklin County |
| I was sitting in our union office when the President was sworn in it was such an inspiring speech and ceremony that we all just stared crying. In Solidarity - Annie, Cuyahoga County |
| I was at the laundromat washing clothes, I stopped cried a little for joy that somebody is going to try and put the people first and remind us that we are family one blood, one human race that is strong and ablee to over come anything as long as we stick together. - Patricia, Hamilton County |
| Mike, my husband, 7 dogs and 2 cats are in Corona de Tucson Arizona watching the festivities on TV. We planted a lemon tree in our yard today in honor of the new President and will take a picture of it and us and send it to the White House with a letter welcoming him and his family and expressing our hopes as well as our commitment to also working in some volunteer capacity to help those in most need here, and also in our other home in Ohio - Lois, Pima County |
| At a client’s office. Sick to my stomach. It looks like the beginning of the end. At least we know that a Democrat will not take office again soon. - Jim, Summit County |
| I was in an empty hospital room at the University of Chicago Medical Center a few blocks from the Obama’s Chicago residence with several people of different races and ethnicities. It was a very special experience! - Heather, Cook County |
| I was sitting in front of the television with my 85 year old mother with whom I shared other historical moment like the first step on the moon. the funeral parade of President Kennedy the tumbling of the wall in berlin and many more historical moments in my life time. - Bonita, Butler County |
| Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center for the Governor’s Initiative for Increasing The Graduation rate. I was elated, estatic and there are no words that I can say to express my true feeling at noon on Tues, January 20- OH Happy Day! - Tammy, Cuyahoga County |
| I was sitting home watching glued to my television set. I have never in my 31 years been more proud of my country or my president. God Bless you Mr President! - Kathy, Hamilton County |
| Unfortunately, I was at work, but I made sure I watched it on t.v. I am so glad Bush is gone! YES! GO OBAMA! - Melissa, Franklin County |
| My wife picked my up at work and we watched it at the Arena Grand Theater in Columbus along with several hundred people. It was very moving. - Ed, Franklin County |
| I
was layed off from my job a year ago, and am now cleaning apartments where I
live. I was listening on npr in the morning, then I snuck out early for lunch to run home and watch it at 11:35. How do I feel? I feel good. Like I knew I would. God Bless President Obama. - Kathleen, Cuyahoga County |
| I watched on-line during my lunchtime at work! What a tremendous speech. I found myself becoming quite emotional and passionate about my country – my patriotism and the opportunities we have before us. - Kathy, Licking County |
| I was reading a final at our high school. Prior to President Obama’s swearing in I really enjoyed the instrumental music. My mother, who passed away 16 years ago loved the song Lord of Dance and loved Martin Luther King. She would have been so proud of Barack Obama. - Ellen, Cuyahoga County |
| I was sitting with colleagues from Mount Union College in Campus Grounds watching on television. There were so many things "just right" about this day, but some of the highlights for me were Bishop Robinson’s prayer, the joy evident in the musicians’ rendition of the Shaker hymn, Barack Obama’s compelling call to action and justice for all of us, Elizabeth Alexander’s uttering moving poem, and Rev. Lowery’s wonderful combination of James Weldon Johnson’s poetry and his own joking rhymes. In company with a very diverse group, I was able to share a highly significant moment in history with them. - Rosemary, Stark County |
| About
25 Obama supporters, several of whom had volunteered for his campaign,
gathered at a local pub in Chillicothe. I had put the gathering online and
invited several friends to join us. Some saw the invitation online, mainly
from MoveOn. From college students to
college professors and a retired teacher, and several in their twenties,
watched and cheered as President Obama took the Oath of Office. Like so many
others, it was an emotional moment, that we thought might never happen. We
listened to every word. We were positive regarding the new President’s speech, remarking on the not too subtle condemnation of some of the former President’s policies (I love the sound of referring to Bush as our former President). Three of us are strongly involved in our churches, two are employed as pastors, and we were respectively appalled by Rick Warren’s invocation and enthralled by Joseph Lowry’s benediction. It was so comforting and thrilling to be with like minded people. Someone in the midst of the ceremony cried, "yes we did!" It was a very patriotic time. - Jim, Ross County |
| I was watching the inauguration on cable TV in my tiny cabin in Nome, Alaska. I am a legal services attorney, and needed to be at work by 9:00 a.m. (which is 1:00 p.m., Eastern time). But I was resolved to watch as much of the live telecast as possible. I stood for the swearing-in of Vice President Biden with tears in my eyes, grateful that I would NEVER have to fear a Cheney presidency, even if the unthinkable happened before President-elect Obama could complete his oath of office. Mercifully, nothing delayed or derailed that longed-for event! President Obama’s address to the nation (and the world) was all that I had hoped for. I stayed through the delightful benediction, and then reluctantly went out to sweep the snow off my car and drive to work. I have been euphoric all day; my commitment to public service is strengthened and renewed. God bless our new President —- and God bless America! - Lynda, Nome County |
| Tearfully
in Ohio! Watching and sharing the event with my 17yr old daughter and my 21
yr old daughter who we all had volunteered in OHio to get President Obama
elected! A job I would do over and over again to make a change. Then I bought
lunch after all whats a mom for? Thank YOu for MY new Precsident. - Crystal, Franklin County |
| I am a hospice chaplain and watched the swearing-in on tv with a 90+ yr.old patient in a nursing facility we serve. My patient had expressed the hope to live to see this day and wept quietly as she watched the event. As we said goodbye, she said it was "OK of the Lord took me now." I wouldn’t be surprised if this was my last visit with her. - Dorothy, Cuyahoga County |
| As much as I woould have loved to be in Washington today, I could not be there. I was at home with my disabled husband, both of us watching on television a sight we thought might never happen in our lifetime. As I watched Barack Obama take the oath of office and watched the faces in the record breaking crowd, I knew something special and life changing was happening. Finally we are one America. Finally we all feel a sense of pride in our nation and in ourselves. Color does not mean the same thing that it did yesterday. Everything is different now. We, as a nation, have changed for the better. - Anna, Columbiana County |
| I was in a Columbus City high school chemistry classroom, and it was a magic, moving moment. There was something everyone watching felt, like nothing before in politics. Maybe we’ve crossed over a barrier, and it’s the beginning of true equal opportunity, where the Constitution has realized the potential which I’m not sure even the founding fathers understood. Yet, in those words, almost as a prophecy, the ability of humans to look beyond the obvious has strengthened our country and empowered all of us. - Martha, Franklin County |
| I was home alone going back and forth over several chanels. Thank goodness for the remote. - M., Hamilton County |
| We took our lunch break around a TV set and a group of us watched the inauguration over our lunch. - Paul, Cuyahoga County |
| I
live at Bristol Village a retirement community. At our Activity Center we had
the seromony on the big screen. There about 40 of us who shared this moment
together. This was a great day in our Country. The emotions of the day were so high and exciting. I pray the Congress lets him lead. - Judi, Pike County |
| I was at the Cleveland City Club event – A wonderful buffet lunch and a huge screen upon which to view the inauguration and President Obama’s hopeful message to the nation. I am inspred with confidence that our country is on a different track with a lofty agenda – and that we will have better days ahead of us. - Evie, Cuyahoga County |
| I was in front of TV watching the whole event with my family!! I don`t think I know it was the biggest ,most celebrated event ever!! I enjoyed all I thought it would never happen!! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!!!!! - Rita, Franklin County |
| The bank cafeteria has two TVs that are always tuned to CNN. About 11:30, many of us IT workers wandered into the cafeteria to watch. I am old enough to remember more than 50 years of politics, and this is the first time ever that I experienced employees gathering to watch an inauguration. For the first time, there were US citizens, Canadians, Indians, and Chinese all in one room, all watching the same historic event, all quiet and soaking in the message. - Korki, Summit County |
| I was in the lounge area of the school where I work. I stood there with children from 4th to 7th grade who couldn’t understand why all the teachers and staff had tears in their eyes. Maybe its a good thing that they don’t realize the struggle. Maybe it means they might not have to struggle. - Damion, Montgomery County |
| I wasn’t watching[…] Like the auto industry, he’s too big to fail, so I know the media will prop him up NO MATTER WHAT. […] - Dave, County |
| In spirit….I was in Washington D.C. standing in the cold with the thousands of Americans filled with awe and pride that this country has chosen this opportunity and this president Barack OBama to lead us on new paths of hope. In reality… I was sitting in my toasty livingroom in Toledo, Ohio, glued to the television and listening to his message to all of us…and to me personally, as I had just become another on the growing list of unemployed. We all have a lot of work to do in helping this new president and his administration fulfill our very promising destiny!! - Bonnie, Lucas County |
| This
inauguration means to me that my lifetime belief in service has yet to peak.
Since 2005, I noticed that there were too many empty stores, too many people
getting laid off, too many young people not going to college. I felt the
country was moving downward. Barack Obama’s election has reenergized me and
rekindled my focus to open myself and remember each day that I am not alone
in my humanity. My neighbor, my neighborhood, my city, my state and my
country have agreed with me, that now is the time to come together. Barack’s
inauguration will set in motion a force for change in our country and a new
path of unity the beginnings of which we saw during the election. I stand
ready willing and able to do my part. I call out to my fellow citizens, “We
are the right people for the right job at the right time for this is our
country, our responsibility and our sacred trust for posterity. I feel like my “country of the people, by the people and for the people” will make it through these tough times. For Barack is truly “of the people”, and as long as my neighbors and I do our part for the “by the people” and the Congress promotes what is life enhancing “for the people” then we will really begin to express the meaning of our name, the United States of America. If most of the people in the country have hoped for serious change and perhaps prayed as much as I have for our country then our collective desire may very well have drawn forth the right man for the right job at the right time in Barack Obama. The United States of America is based on a foundation that “all men are created equal” with “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness to be maintained, supported and enhanced by the Congress and President. |
| Thinking
of Barack Obama as President, I kind of wonder if divine providence opened a door and a young
man with one white and one black parent walked through it. One profound thing
missing from previous political rhetoric and previous Presidents is that
Barack actually knows how people of all races feel when they are made to feel
they are not equal in America; jobs, education, income, race, gender or
personal preference. Barack’s life provided him with a perspective we’ve not
had yet in a President. I believe it is possible we became the melting pot of
cultures to help us get over our differences and act as the shining light of
freedom now in this monumental moment in history with a new attitude, a new
sense of self worth, a new openness, a new determination, a new feeling of
gratitude, a new look at our responsibilities and most of all a new feeling
that we are not alone. But until we began to actively participate in our
elected government process, as we have in this election, did I feel the power
of the possibility as we rallied together demonstrating our support for real
substantive change coming to the Government and people of our country. January 20, 2009 means to me that my country has taken the first step on a climb up a steep mountain, back to the top where the view of life is expansive and full of beauty, inspiring a sense of majesty and gratitude within us. I envision a moment in the not too distant future when our hearts are open and our minds at peace having been forged by the fire of hard work and conscious living each day, when our Grand Mother Lady Liberty with an eagle on one side of her and shafts of wheat on the other smiles upon us and says, “You have done well my children. Your time of fear, divisiveness and greed are over. You have staved off collapse. Maintain your vigilance always but know this: you have created a new era of abundance for all and opened up a whole new level of discoveries and possibilities waiting to be gathered. Your future will be brighter than you could have imagined. You have succeeded where previous generations failed by bringing forth from within you the power of the many expressed as the one.” - Linda, Franklin County |
| At
the skilled nursing home rehabilitation center where my husband has been for
the last 3 month re-learning how to walk again. Bitter sweet. Elated ! Prayerful !!! - Karen M. |
| I
was in my home recording this historical moment on 3 vhs video tapes for
history for my granddaughter. I was crying and thinking what a wonderful
moment in time this is. That I have a dream! I was thinking President Obama and Joe Biden is what the world needs
right now. Also, President Obama has given me enough to hold on to and
believe that I can make it happen just like he did if I don’t give up. My
husband has loss his job and it has been a struggle and I have almost lost
everything but i have not quit because I believe that if President Barack
Obama did not quit and made it to become PRESIDENT I can make my dream come
true. I was thanking God for his goodness and sparing my life for this day to
see a fantastic man take office today. How I wish my 18 year old son was
alive, my sister, aunts and uncle’s who picked cotton in the cotton fields of
Georgia were alive to see this moment. I believe God will bless us as he did
President Obama with our small start up business with a patent pending dream
product called "KuFBag", a transporter restraint to create jobs,
protect our society and law enforcement officers lives while transporting
criminals, terrorist, military, airlines, immigration and border patrol to
name a few. The state of Ohio is praying for the safety of our new president
and I will continue. God is a good
GOD!!! |
| I
was in a Board Meeting officially getting my lay-off notice. I work at the Lima Public Library. We have been under funding cuts for a while
and it is now reaching the Staff. It
is not effecting the Management. They
are continuing everything status quo. We need our new president to help us with our funding issues. – Denise H. |
| I was sitting with co-workers of different races and political affiliations at a nonprofit all wishing him well. – Marina |
| I spent Inauguration Day in Virginia with a combined D-MAT (Medical Assistant Team) in readiness for whatever emergency rrises. We trained and set up facilities to deal with almost any contingecy might arise. The preperation was a.mazIng, and our information concernig security measures was awsome. It has been a wonderful experiene even though I saw the inauguration on TV. - SBCoach8 |
| A native and former Ohioan who has lived in (really IN!) DC since ’78, I was here — talking with people from everywhere, celebrating Barack Obama and a new day .. and helping them understand the plight of those of us in DC. Go to www.dcvote.org and learn more about what those who are current or former Ohioans can do too. Taxation without representation is NOT what the founders had in mind .. or wouldn’t if it were today! And Sen. Sherrod Brown strongly supports rights for many .. including DC residents. CELEBRATE this dawn of a new era by community service AND by helping us get a vote in Congress. - Joan, District of Columbia |
| First,
"Congratulations to President Obama & Vice-President Biden! I watched on TV. Like so many Americans, I was so proud of
withnessing the historic occasion. The
fact that I am Arican-Amarican made is more so. My wife, son and I pray for the new administration as they pursue their objectives! - Mark, Hamilton County |
| I was in my kitchen with my day care children, and had kept my 9 year old home so that we could experience the momment at the same time. I cooked, like it was thanksgiving, because it was, and had my church h9ome fellowship group over to share in all the parties via tv. - Carole, Hamilton County |
| I din’t watch a minute of TV. I don’t believe a man that hasn’t proven he is a natural born, has not shown his education records… as a matter of fact…what do YOU really know about him? History will tell the tale […]. - Rick, Saint Lucie County |
| I was sitting in my home office with one ear presssed to a phone on mute while participating on an important international conference call (with 1% of me listening sparcely for my name to be called signifying my time present), while the other 99% was glued to a tiny 11" color TV taking in every word and each moment of the Inauguration of Barack Obama — an extraordinary and life changing moment in my lifetime. I so desparately wanted to be on the Mall in Washington, D.C, but given the state of the economy and soooo many people out of work, I couldn’t risk missing an important and required meeting, but was very grateful that this Inauguration from beginning to end was so open and accessible to everyone. Thanks to President Obama and the Presidential Inauguration Planning Committee for thinking about and accommodating those not so fortunate to be able to participate in person. I truly had a BLAST!! - Glenda, Franklin County |
| I was in DC! The crowds were amazing. There was nothing like being in the crowd and having everyone singing and dancing together. Millions were there and everyone was in a good mood. The intense happy feeling was more than I can express. I am so happy that I took the time off work and participated and was there when history was made! Words cannot express my fullest feelings. - Brenda, Belmont County |
| I was watching it from home and it is hard to explain my feelings, but I would say that I mostly felt a calm feeling in just knowing that we have a President that will rebuild our country! It was a sigh of relief, to say the least! I pray that God will control the heart and hands of our new President! - Elizabeth, Franklin County |
| I
was driving to work from Bowling Green, Ohio, to Sylvania, Ohio, after my
morning methods courses. I listened to
the United States Marine Corps Band, commentary, and speeches with the
assistance of National Public Radio.
Even though I had set my Tivo to record the entire day’s events at my
apartment, I wanted to be able to at least listen to the oath and hear the
crowd on the radio. It really didn’t seem real to me until last night when I went to bed after I got home from work. I saw clips of the President and the First Lady dancing at the inaugural balls, and wondered what were the first things President Obama would have to do this morning when he woke up with so much on his plate and so much potential to fulfill. - James, Wood County |
| Two
other women and I went to the sports bar across the street from work. Another woman (we didn’ know) had to ask
the wait person to change the station on one of the seven TV’s so that we
could watch the ceremonies. Then we
had to ask them to turn up the volume.
They finally turned down the sound on all the ball games in time for
President Obama’s speech!!!! We were
thrilled to see this historic event.
Most of the others in the bar didn’t really seem to care. (Most of them were men.) Thank you - Maxine, Athens County |
| I
was lucky enough to be able to take the day off of work. I walked a mile in the bright sunshine to the historic Drexel Theater, which had opened its doors for the event. I watched the news coverage with hundreds of my neighbors, some of whom had joined me in volunteering for Obama during the campaign. What a great day! - Scott, Franklin County |
| I
was at Gate A 12 in the Atlanta Airport, and even in red state Georgia, our
large crowd cheered and clapped when Barack Obama at the end of the oath of
office One or two people wept. A CNN crew was taking still pictures of all
of us gathered in front of the TV screen at this one gate. Ours was the usual multi ethnic American
crowd of black, white and brown adults and children. We all got very quiet as
we listened to his speech, as if in church.
It was moving to share this experience with others; I’ll never forget
it. After boarding Delta back to
Cincinnati, it looked like everyone went on watching at our little seat TV
screens. I had worked this past fall as Staging Area Director for North College Hill and Mount Healthy (huge shifts to the blue in both small cities) and thought I was going to miss the moment, because my flight was scheduled for 12:10. But our flight was delayed an hour, and we were all glad. First time I’ve ever been happy about an airline delay! Erna Olafson - Erna, Hamilton County |
| Unfortunately, I was at home, because I couldn’t afford to go anywhere else! - Michelle, Franklin County |
| I was at my internship in a nursing facility.I was amazed to see all of the senior citizens enjoying the change that has come to the United States. - Taren, Hamilton County |
| I
had to work, but I was able to watch the ceremony through streaming video in
the lunch room along with a few hundred other colleagues. I sat with my pet republican, at lunch while whatching history. It reminded me of the days in grade school when NASA was young and every launch prompted a school program and we huddled around televisions to watch the rocket blast off. Yet this was much bigger than even the moon landing and it felt so good to know that I had a hand in this one. I really felt like I helped accomplish this. It was personal! Back to my pet republican, it was my chiding him that drove him to stream the video on the big screen in the lunch room. The only bad part of that was we had to endure FAUX news. Not that bad though. I didn’t harass the poor guy but I was after humility from him as he was such a huge bu$h supporter until very recently. We used to have email wars and conversations about what is right and what bu$h was doing wrong. He was very humble yesterday. Maybe Obama’s actions in this term will convert this republican. If so I will feel only partly responsible for planting the seed. Obama will be the one that makes that change. Yes we can! - Todd, Cuyahoga County |
| I
work in a Community Services building in Port Clinton, Ohio. Many of us met in the American Red Cross
office. They have a flat screen
TV. There were staff from United Way,
Stein Hospice, Salvation Army, WSOS Community Action Commission, Independent
Choices and Transitional Housing. We
were joined by friends and volunteers.
One woman put a box of Kleenex on the table and said we would probably
all tear up before this day was over.
She was right. There were tears
of awe and tears of joy and tears of celebration. Many of us recieve or work with programs who recieve state and federsl grants. We cheered when the President asked his QUESTION. We have seen government dollars meant to be helpful strangle the people need help and the workers trying to give the help. Most of us in the room knew each other from our volunteer activites during the campaign and it was so invogorating and validating to be together in a small office in Ohio to celebrate. - Chris, Ottawa County |
| I had friends and family over for an Inaugural party. It was so wonderful to be surrounded by so many people who were celebrating this man on this historic day. I was overwhelmed with pride for this country and joy. For the first time in many, many years I feel as though this country has a true leader. - Jenny, Franklin County |
| At last minute I had to cancel my plans to travel to D.C. with three fellow VA nurses as the result of some unexpected expenses which left me without the extra money to cover my share of the hotel bill. I did not have plans to watch the inauguration up until two hours before it was schedued to begin; I only knew that I wouldn’t miss it. At 10:00, it suddenly occured to me that there was no person with which I would rather share the inaugural moment then with my 98-year- old Italian American immigrant grandmother. She was born in 1910, came to the U.S. on a boat in 1920 for medical care, and remembers F.D.R as the nation’s best President because, in her mind, he brought an end to the Depression, which spanned the years when she was a young mother forced to both work full time and keep up a home after her husband became ill. When I asked my grandmother back in November if she thought Obama might be as good of a President as her beloved F.D.R., she said she thought that he could. My grandmother honors two things more than anything: family and hard work. To her, Obama’s success and integrity is the result of a good, dedicated mother and grandmother’s love and care, and his own hard work and persistence. like Obama, my grandmother was raised without a father, and at times, by Aunts, Uncles, and her grandparents, and therefore she can viscerally sense the difficulties he would have had to overcome to acheive what he did,not just in his political career but also in raising such a beautiful family. I am glad and feel honored to have witnessed the inauguration not with strangers in a crowd, but with the oldest member of my own family. She sees her own historyand values reflected in Obama’s story, and when someone accuses him of not having enough political experience for the job, she responds with conviction: "But he has his life." - Natalie, Cuyahoga County |
| I was one of those small specks from the satellite on the National Mall waving a flag in the very first section of non-ticket holders. I felt like an ice sickle on the outside and a warm soothing cup of delicate tea on the inside. I was shouting cheers of congratulations and jubilation and inwardly crying tears of joy, prayer, love and peace. I felt so proud to be an American and so humbled to be a part of the human race. I feel so truly blessed to witness such a person and family in our new President and our new first family. I feel I have been given God’s grace to have such a loving and powerful example of humanity that inspires my daily thoughts, words, and behaviors. - Lynn, Hamilton County |
| I had hoped until the afternoon of 1/19 to go to DC for the inauguration and meet my son but plans(transportation,getting sick, housing arrangements etc. fell through)..so I went to the "Inauguration Watch " party held by the Franklin County Democratic Party here in Columbus, Ohio. We were at a restaurant and cheered and (even jeered a few times when Dick Cheney was seen on TV) . Everyone stood for the prayers , for the oath of office, cried when Ella Fitzgerald sang and when Barack took the oath and made his magnificent speech. It was like election night all over again when I felt so PROUD to be an American again..and so happy and touched beyond belief to know WE DID IT. We took back our country and in the process elected the first African American President. I truly believe it was GRACE, god’s Grace that was present all over our land on election day and we opened our hearts to Him and HIs Grace. It was so touching to see Barack and Michelle walk hand in hand down Pennsylvania Ave and to know our country is in good hands . I feel safer than I have for a long time and more hopeful than I have in years, knowing Barack is our President. My son was on the Mall in DC with his girl friend and they reported it was so crowded I would have been claustrophobic, so maybe I was exactly where I needed to be that day. And he was where he needed to be to know how great our country truly is. We are ready to stand and work with Barack to rebuild our nation - Anne, Franklin County |
| Eric & I were holding hands watching the large screen tv at Martini Park with the Franklin Co. Democratic Party faithful ~ wall to wall democrats. I was teary-eyed and o, so proud. A stranger standing next to me and I hugged as the crowds in DC screamed with glee and pride after the oath was taken. What a delight. I thought of my dad, who died in 92. My dad would have been so very excited – he worked in the civil rights movement in Cleveland in the 60’s during the Hough Avenue riots. He was a pharmacist in that neighborhood and member of NAACP. His biggest concern was that his customers would not get their meds during the riots. He was a kind and good man who wanted everyone to be treated with respect and kindness and dignity they deserved. He would have been so proud to see yesterday’s inauguration of a "real mensch!" (Yiddish for a class act guy with highest integrity). And, he’d be right. I’m so honored right now to say I’m an American. What a difference a few months makes! - Marilyn, Franklin County |
| I work in a federally funded health clinic located in one of largest public housing projects in Cincinnati. We crowded into the waiting room around the television…patients, doctors, nurses, parents, grandparents, great grandparents, even the pharmacist. When Obama was officially sworn in as our 44th president the room filled with cheers. It was electric, and there were not many dry eyes. The magnitude of the moment & the shift of the tides was not lost on those who have suffered the most through poverty & racism, nor on myself the only white lady in the room. - Emily, Hamilton County |
| My
friend and I started out the morning by bundling up with 5 shirts or so and
headed to the metro, where a half hour trip took 3 times longer. Everyone on the train was in a great mood
though, and the trip ended up being a lot of fun. When we got downtown, the metro was so
overwhelmed with the crowds that they just let everyone walk through the
gates without swiping their cards.
From there we headed down the mall walking 15 blocks to the Washington
Monument where the overflow crowd was being sent. At this point they had blocked the entire
mall off from more people entering, even though it was only 9:45-10 am. We finally perched on a hill near the Washington Monument where, while we couldn’t see anything other than massive crowds, could hear wonderfully! People were sitting on port-a-potties, and climbing trees so that they could see. It was intense. At one point walking down independence ave, I thought we would be crushed by the crowd. Everyone was in great spirits and super friendly. We met loads of awesome people, and it was a great experience. I’m thankful I lived in DC for 5 years because after all the activity on the mall we headed back to my old house 3 blocks from the mall where we had warm food and watched the parade on television. The metro ride home was much faster! - Eileen, Fairfax County |
| Shivering beside my daughter in the cold shadow of the Washington Monument, as we watched our 44th president being sworn in, I recalled seeing "Whites Only" signs in the deep South during my Army days, and later of hearing MLK’s "I Have A Dream" speech. And I thought, "Well, Martin, looks we finally made it – even though there’s still a long way to go. Sure wish you could be here with us today." But when I looked at the sea of faces that flowed around and beyond us, all the way down the Mall to the Capitol steps, and saw men and women and children of every age, decked out in Obama hats and buttons and sweatshirts, whites, blacks, asians, latinos, you name it, laughing, crying, hugging, cheering, praying, madly waving their tiny American flags – I thought back to that day at the Lincoln Memorial, where, within sight of the place that our first African-American president now stood 45 years later, you had shouted in your preacher voice: "…when we let [freedom] ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God’s children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!" – then I understood that you had made it here, today, after all. - Bob, Fairfield County |
| At work we had heard that the company was going to have it on in the conference room for us. I thought great I’ll TIVO it at home and watch at work. BUT I found out quick that it was being shown in Conference room "A" and that was for non -union employees. Don’t get me wrong no one here at Meggett SAID union couldn’t go there But "WE" know when we are not wanted. Technicaly it was during working Hours. So I just turned around and got my radio and listened to Barack privatly. This was better because I got emotional and I didn’t want management too see me that way. I am a elected 4 term UAW union representitive( no term limits here). Other union members said they did the same thing. We are in a bitter struggle ,our jobs are moving to mexico, we are worried that even though we have a contract our benefits will never be there. We worked for 10yrs under a "imposed" contract we stayed the course and finally we have had contracts. Our struggle has mirrored all of america. Its been a long day a coming. So I am glad I stole a very private moment for myself. After President Obama took office I went out into the plant wipped my eyes dry sucked it up pick myself up dusted my self off and went to management to file a grevance about HIPA violations for some of the peaple I represent. I was so totally inspired with the manager he was taken aback and couldn’t answer me and was looking for the door. It is good to be on the right side of right. President Obama stirs the very core of myself our struggles "our" the same. he is the voice of americas soul and I promise to be a strong grass root. God bless my local union, god bless President Obama, god bless America . – David, Summit County |
| I WAS THERE!!! OH MY GOODNESS, WORDS CANNOT EXPRESS WHAT OR HOW I FEEL! I thought about… my mother, Joyce M. Booker(deceased) a civil rights worker who worked tiredlessly to establish unity and peace in our community. I thought about the slaves who built this country, bleed for and died at the hands of this country. I thought about a brighter future for our next generations. I thought about a fresh new approach to goverenment. I thought about a better day for all of us here and abroad. I thought about relief, keeping my home, having the troops come home…so many thoughts. Thoughts of hope, peace, and honesty. - Roseland, Franklin County |
| Like
millions of others I sat glued to my television from early morning until late
in the evening. I cried and I laughed and I thanked God for this wonderful man. The next day,the news media reported that of all the millions of people on the streets of Washington not one arrest was made. Hope brings peace. - Norma, Montgomery County |
| I was 1 in a million (or 2 million) of eager onlookers standing on the national mall. We did it! I’ve never experienced anything like it before. My eyes filled with tears as I heard Aretha Franklin sing "My Country Tis of Thee". It was as if I heard it for the first time!! This is indeed my country. I am glad to be an American. I’ve heard many speeches talking about American ideals, but I felt like those ideals were only for the history books. American values are being redefined for another generation. I hope that the values, ideas, and drive of the ancestors propel us through this millennium. - Daniel, Allen County |
| I was in the ticketed area on the Mall with my my back facing my husband and his arms around my waist. He has never seen me cry and did not see my tears of joy that day. The event was signifcant to us because it was the first event of such magnitude, that we’ve attended, where there was more than just a token smattering of African Americans and other people of color, a truly magnificent sight. I think people now understand what Michelle Obama meant when she first experienced "real" pride in being an American. - Jeanine, Lorain County |
| I was with my husband and two grown daughters in front of the third Jumbotron back from the Capitol. The crowd was taking care of each other, dancing and making eye contact and tucking blankets around those resting on the frozen ground. We laughed and blew our noses and cried and hugged our loved ones and strangers. We bounced, shivered, hooted and chanted and endured. We felt new gratitude to be Americans and considered the possibility of our own futures. We committed to sacrifice and mutual care. We meditated on the word "patience". Most of all, we felt ourselves to be known and cared about by our president, who could ask much of us in return and we would give and do it. We pray and hope for safety, strength, and happiness for Barack Obama and all his family. - Karen, Hamilton County |
| I
celebrated my Birthday (Jan. 20th) "glued" to the TV in the comfort
of my home with my husband. Even though we have attended Inaugrations in the past, this was by far the most rewarding. We felt so relieved and breath-easy knowing President Obama was being sworn in as our President for needed change. Now let’s all get busy! - Judith, Franklin County |
| At my desk in mid-town Manhattan, watching cnn.com from my computer, all day long. It was great. - Melanie |