Today is a day to remember. I’ll remember that I watched the 44th president of the United States — the first African American president — take the oath of office with over 100 of my colleagues in the lobby of our building. The inauguration events were broadcast on two large screen televisions and the audio was piped through speakers. We stood as Barack Obama recited the oath and applauded when he finished his first presidential speech. He’s eloquent and inspiring and confident. He’s just what our country needs.
And here are some of my favorite lines from the inaugural address:
- And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.
- To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
- What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task.
- And why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.