In a ceremony that drew close to two million people from around the globe, Obama and Vice President Joe Biden were sworn in by Supreme Court Justice John Stevens and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts around noon. The swearing in was preceded by an invocation from Dr. Rick Warren and a performance of “My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee” by Aretha Franklin.
Obama‘s swearing in was immediately followed by a musical performance and then his inauguration speech.
Chocked full of references from the past and optimistic hopes for the future, Obama‘s inauguration speech hit on current issues such as the economy, healthcare, education, and foreign policy.
“That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood,”Obama explained to the millions watching at The Capitol and the millions watching at home. “Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.”
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Although realistic and straight-forward, Obama‘s speech seemed riddled with optimism.
“Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions – who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage,”Obama declared to his audience.
And in conclusion to his speech, Obama added, “With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children’s children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God’s grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.”
President Obama’s inauguration speech was then followed by a poem written and recited by Elizabeth Alexander and a colorful benediction from Dr. Joseph Lowery.
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Today’s inauguration festivities will also include the signing of the inauguration papers, the Congressional luncheon, the parade, and 10 inaugural balls.
