Just as prejudice did not deter voters, frigid temperatures did not deter an astounding crowd from lending its support, and an economic situation as dire as the Great Depression did not deter Barack Obama ‘- sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts at noon on Tuesday in the shadow of the Capitol as the 44th President of the United States ‘- from lending hope to the American people and assuring that the future will bring better days.
‘The challenges we face are real,’ Obama said during his Inaugural Address. ‘They are serious and they are many. They will not be
met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America, they will be met.’
Ceremonies began with the formal oath of office, which took place on the same bible used by Abraham Lincoln in Jan. 1861.
In the days preceding the ceremony, Obama adapted Lincoln’s travel schedule prior to his inauguration. Mr. and Mrs. Obama traveled by train from Philadelphia to Washington, harkening back to Lincoln’s original interstate crossing.
From the outset of his inaugural address, Obama wasted no time addressing the dire economic downturn and troublesome situation of the nation he now serves as its commander-in-chief.
‘Every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms,’ Obama said. ‘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 forbearers, and true to our founding documents.’
‘So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans,’ Obama added.
At Fairfield, professors were impressed that Obama chose to address the divisive issue immediately. Similarly, many pundits are taking solace in the fact that Obama vows to take ‘bold and swift’ fiscal action, and that his administration is laden with accomplished advisors.
‘Expectations are very high and he’s been trying to bring them back to reality,’ finance professor Michael Tucker said. ‘It’s still ‘Yes, We can’ but he is reminding everyone it will take time and plenty of effort. A message his election delivers is that merit trumps cronyism and nepotism. It’s a lesson that speaks to college students.’
At one poignant moment in the address, Obama also paid homage to the significance of the moment in the annals of American race relations.
‘This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed – why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, 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,’ Obama said.
The President also extended a hand to the allies of the United States, many of whom have been openly critical of the Bush Administration’s foreign policy and claim that America has alienated itself with the Iraq War.
‘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 that we are ready to lead once more,’ Obama said.
Students at Fairfield on hand to watch the inaugural address at the Barone Campus Center cheered at times, but overall seemed awestruck at the epic nature of the occasion.
‘I think it is history, and not just because he is African-American,’ said Katelyn Feige ’12.’ ‘To elect a half-black, half-white man, no one could have predicted that decades ago.’
Following a speech that lasted approximately 18 minutes, the inauguration ceremony continued with a poem from Elizabeth Alexander and a prayer from African-American pastor Rick Warren. A luncheon followed with varying members of Congress, which was tarnished by the untimely collapse of Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA).
Kennedy, who has brain cancer, experienced convulsions and was rushed to nearby medical facility.
Obama continued with the official transfer of the White House, as Mr. Bush and his wife, Laura, greeted the new President and First Lady at the South Lawn of the White House. The two then retreated to a helicopter bound for Andrews Air Force base, and then for the Bush ranch in Crawford, Tex.
The day continued with a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue that began at three in the afternoon. Later in the evening, the President attended a flurry of formal dinners and balls to commemorate the occasion.
Professors on campus expressed to their students the importance of the ceremony.
‘In class last week, I made it a point to engage students by asking them to recognize our ‘unique historical moment,’ art history professor Philip Eliasoph said. ”Did your grandparents realize the weight of the moment when the U.S. entered WWII after they heard on the radio about an attack of Pearl?”
”And how will you remember – and tell your grandchildren – about your days as a college student at Fairfield, when the race-barrier was smashed for the American Presidency?’ – keep this moment alive!’ Eliasoph added.
Elizabeth Boquet, English Professor and Associate Dean of College of Arts and Sciences, said ‘When people are paying attention to government and politics, it’s usually because something awful happened. It’s not often we witness a positive event in history.’
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