They came, they saw, they were a party of history. Millions of Americans took over the Nation's Capitol Tuesday (1.20) to see the Inaugration of Barack Obama.
Some slept in the cold to assure they'd have a good view of the historic event...
When dawn came, there were already people waiting in line .... to enter the National Mall.
The press was in position ... ready to get their shots and sound bytes ...
Actor Denzel Washington was there early to make sure he got his seat.
Then the flood gates opened ...
Meanwhile .. in other parts of the world, people were celebrating Obama's big day in their own special way ... Above, some supporters build a tribute on the beach. Below, at Madam Tureaud's House of Wax in London, a mother and her baby pose with Obama's wax likeness (U. S. passport holders got in free on Tuesday).
BACK AT THE CAPITOL -- Just after 12:30 pm (EST) -- everyone is seated or standing in their spots ... and the ceremony finally began ...
Attendess look on as dignitaries (including past Presidents and White House staff) take their seats.
First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush take their seats.
Barack Obama waves to the crowd as he takes his seat and leans over to speak with outgoing President, Bush, as his daughter looks on.
After an opening ceremony prayer, Queen of Soul ARETHA FRANKLIN sings for the crowd.
After another speech (and a horrible poem) Barack Obama finally takes the oath of office. He places his hand on Lincoln's Bible ... and less than 40 words later, it is announced that his officialy PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA. (He re-did the oath Wednesday because Chief Roberts flubbed it).
Obama's first act as President -- smoochin' his First Lady! :)
Seconds after the oath (and during kiss) ... the crowd erupted in exciting applause ... screaming O-BA-MA!
After the applause died down, Obama gave his big speech.
There were no big quotes or catchy phrases -- just a simple explanation of the state of American and how WE need to help OUR country get better. (Read Obama's speech HERE. See the video HERE).
There was applause during the speech and after the speech ...
There was also a lot of emotion as the moment set in for some Americans ... Change has come!
align="center">Even Oprah and Stedmond were there ... celebrating the moment.
After his speech ... outgoing President Bush hugged Obama in congratulations.
And Obama gets a thumbs up from his daughter Sasha ... as they prepare to leave the ceremony and head to the parade.
The best part of the ceremony for me was seeing all the Presidents and staff there in support of Obama. Even more so ... all the AMERICANS there in support of him.
My least favorite ... that HORRIBLE poem recited by that Elizabeth chick ... WTF was SHE thinking? Where was Maya Angelou or Nikki Giovanni .. hell or Jill Scott even!!! UGH.
Regardless it was an inspiring day ...
FOR MORE INAUG DAY PICS .. GO HERE and HERE.
** And stay tuned for more posts featuring pics of the Big Day and the Parade!
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