Jan 20 2009
Barack Obama Takes Oath As 44th U.S. President
John McCain once called him the bigest celebrity in the world, and on January 20, 2009 he was just that. Close to 1.5 million people braved frigid temperatures to watch, along with millions around the world, as President-elect Barack Obama repeated the oath to became President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America.
Inaugurati0n events included the singing of the national anthem by songstress Aretha Franklin, the swearing in of Sen. Joe Bidden as Vice President, and an inauguration speech by the new president which focused on the unification of America.
“My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices bourne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generoisity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.”
That began the opening of President Obama’s inagural address. And, just moments after the transfer of power, outgoing President George W. Bush and his wife Laura, boarded a helicopter which took them to Andrews Air Force Base, where they will then be transported to their Texas home.
On the other hand, the Obamas have a full schedule of activities beginning with a state luch immediately after the inauguration, and inauguration balls extending into the night.
President Obama plans to spend his first day in the oval office tomorrow.
