Obviously today was the inauguration of the 44th president, Barack Obama. I watched coverage starting at 10:30am and didn’t really stop all day. I made a bunch of notes so here I go…

1) The crowd at the National Mall was enormous. I truly wish I was there. It would have been such an experience to be in the crowd.

2) The Oath – Little bit of a slip up… not sure if it was Chief Justice Roberts or President Obama’s fault, but certainly allowed for some ‘comic relief’ within a very momentous occasion. Though Barack took the oath at 12:04pm, he officially began his term at 12:00pm, even without taking the oath. I would be lying if I said I didn’t tear up. The realization of what was happening was hit me and was very overwhelming.

3) Sasha and Malia are the cutest things in the world. They add a different dimension to the White House that will be very refreshing.

4) The Inaugural Speech – While there were no ‘one-liners’ that I can think of (ex “I have a dream”, “Ask not what your country…”,”The only thing we have to fear…”) the general message of the speech was very profound. We, as Americans, are called to serve for the greater good. Just as past generation have paid the price for freedom, we too must now pay what is due.  It will not be easy; it’s not something that will be attained overnight. Very powerful, very moving. People will look back at this speech and this day and say that this is when America turned the corner and renewed their status to the world.

Who is proud to be an American?