Welcoming the 44th President

Sadly, I have to admit, this is the first time I've actually paid attention to the whole election process from beginning to end. Yes, I had watched some of the speeches - but would quickly change the channel to find something more interesting. This time around was a little different. Maybe because I'm older, maybe because I wanted to feel more knowledgeable about the subject but mostly because I knew it was going to be such a major event in history. Obama is such an intelligent man who has such a way with words. If anyone can convince all of us to come together as one group, fighting for the same goals as we become stronger, smarter and more motivated, he can.

Here are a few quotes from today's inauguration speech:

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

"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."

"... 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."