In-AWE-guration 2009

What a day! What a historical, momentous day. I spent the majority of the day - starting at 6:00am - watching the Inauguration coverage. And I am overwhelmed. Seeing the thousands upon thousands of Americans converging on the Mall in the early hours of a bitter cold morning, carrying their American flags and wearing their Obama buttons, hats, and scarves, was powerful and inspiring. Even though I wasn't on the Mall with the masses, I felt like I was a part of it. The excitement vibrated through the television. Today was a great day for American and for the world. I hope the unity, inclusiveness and togetherness that was seen today continues. This is what America is about. We are one inspite of our differences.

I watched the Inauguration coverage wearing my Barack The Vote t-shirt that I bought early Spring 2008. I wore my t-shirt with pride and with some trepidation. I weathered the dirty looks that I would get when I'd wear the t-shirt out in public. I braced myself for confrontation. But I was not going to back down. I had faith in Barack Obama and wanted him as my President. No one was going to try to intimidate me to the point where I would be scared to wear my t-shirt. I sipped from my Inauguration 2009 mug while watching American history being made.

I am inspired and have renewed hope for our country and our future.

YES WE CAN!

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."
America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.