A New Era

(Check back here for our continuing coverage of the inauguration and for stories by Current Events student reporter Betsy Potter and WR News Editor Brooke Ross.)

Nearly 2 million people gathered today at the National Mall and parade route in Washington, D.C., to witness a historic event—the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Many families drove hundreds of miles and waited for several hours on this cold, sunny day just to catch a glimpse of the new president. 

New Beginnings and Old Traditions

The morning began according to custom. After a church sermon, the president-elect went to the White House to have breakfast with the outgoing president. After their meal, Obama shared a ride with Bush to the Capitol in a heavily armored presidential limousine.

Barack Obama listened and smiled as Aretha Franklin sang “My Country, 'Tis of Thee.” Then Joe Biden was sworn in as vice president by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. During a musical performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma and others, Barack Hussein Obama officially became the country’s first African-American president. (As stated in the U.S. Constitution, the president-elect officially becomes the president at noon.) 

Obama recited the presidential oath of office at 12:05. The 35-word promise, administered by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, has been spoken by every president since George Washington. As he recited the oath, Obama placed his left hand on the same Bible that President Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861. The crowd cheered and celebrated as Obama was sworn in as the new president of the United States. 

Current Events student reporter Betsy Potter was about a block away from the stage. “It was really exciting to see history in the making. You could feel the excitement in the air. [People] were really joyful. They were chanting, 'He can do it, we can do it!'" 

Brianna Hoffman, a 13-year-old student from Hampstead Middle School in New Hampshire, attended the inauguration with her class. “It was amazing. The crowd was huge. Obama’s speech was really good. Basically everyone seems really happy. There was a black woman sitting next to me and she turned to me and said ‘Congratulations, you have a new African-American president.’ I just smiled…It’s history,” said Hoffman.

‘Hope Over Fear’

Obama then delivered his first speech as president—the inaugural address. In his 20-minute speech, he spoke about “a new era of responsibility” and said the country must choose “hope over fear.” He talked about the challenges that face the nation. He asked all citizens to take part in rebuilding. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America,” he said. 

Obama’s inauguration took place just one day after the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., who paved the way for the Civil Rights movement. Obama, the son of a white, Kansas-born mother and a black, Kenyan father, took the opportunity to remind the audience, “that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” 

In his speech, Obama used poetic language that was similar to speeches given by King and former U.S. president John F. Kennedy. For example, he used repetition and directly addressed the country’s enemies: “To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict … know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. … To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit … we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.” He aimed to send a message of power and peace. 

Back to the Ranch

As Obama was sworn in as president, Bush became a private citizen for the first time in eight years. After his inauguration, Obama and his wife Michelle escorted ex-President Bush and his wife Laura to a helicopter stationed alongside the U.S. Capitol. Seeing them off is part of a tradition. The Bushes are headed back to their ranch in Crawford, Texas after a homecoming celebration in Midland, Texas.

Obamas Have a Ball … or Ten

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama plan to attend all 10 inaugural balls. The parties don’t end until well after midnight. That’s a lot of dancing and celebrating! The Obamas should sleep well after this long day. The hard part begins tomorrow. 

A Note for Barack  

Also part of a long tradition, Bush left a note for Obama in the top drawer of his desk in the Oval Office. The note waits for Obama as he starts the first day of his new job. What do you think it says?

Photos: Obama family at inauguration (Pool/Getty Images), Obama waves (AFP/Getty Images)