Renewing America’s Promise

January 21, 2009

 

 

(source: Yahoo)

 

 

 

January 20, 2009 at 12 noon (1 am Philippine Time) marks another milestone in the history of the United States of America.  The first African-American, Barack Obama, took oath at the National Mall as the 44^th President of the United States with the theme “Renewing America’s Promise”.

 

Though, not physically present in that event, the coverage of CNN made me feel part of the momentous occasion.  As a viewer, I too, felt the sincerity of his actions, his presence and the speech he presented to the people.  I felt that the hope for change is about to come not only for the Americans but also for the Philippines and other countries as well.  I just hope that the change that the Americans have and will experience right now may also be experienced by us after we have selected the new President of the Philippines in 2010.  And by that we too can say ” Yes Philippines, We Can…”

 

 

Those who were not able to watch the live coverage, here are some of the main highlights of events, as Obama became the new president.

 

8:47 am:  President-Elect Obama and his family left their temporary resident at the Blair House to attend the church service at St. John’s Episcopal Church.

 

8:49 am:  They arrived at St. John Church.  The church was established in 1815 and was called the “Church of the Presidents”. It started as a church for the White House families.  It is located across Lafayette Square from the White House.

 

                 Obama and Biden had coffee with President Bush at the White House.

 

10:48 am:  George W Bush and Barack Obama departed the White House for Capitol Hills.  They were seated together in the new presidential limousine called “The Beast”.

 

11:00 am:  Bush and Obama arrived the US Capitol.

 

11:43 am:  Barack Obama was introduced in the platform.

 

Sen. Diane Feinstein of California chairs the joint congressional committee inaugural ceremonies.

 

11:51 am: Pastor Rick Warren, author of the best-selling book “Purpose Driven Life”, led the opening prayer.  He is the pastor of the Saddleback church in Orange County California.

 

                  After the opening prayer, Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin sang “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”

 

                  Yo-Yo Ma, itzhak Perlman, Anthony Mcgill and Gabriel Montero performs “Air and Simple Gifts” by John Williams.

 

Since the ceremony was behind schedule, at exactly 12 noon, Obama became President.  The constitution states his term begins at noon even without oath.

 

12:06 pm:  Obama took oath as the 44^th President of the US.  It was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts.  He used the same bible used during Lincoln’s inauguration in 1861.  Obama is the 5^th youngest person elected as president.

 

12:07 pm:  President Obama delivers his inaugural address to the people which lasted for 18 minutes.

 

 

                 My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often, the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

(for the full text of his speech, read here:)

 

 

 

The ceremony ended with the singing of their National Anthem.