Barack Obama Sworn in as President in Front of the World

Jan. 20, 2009. Some say it is the day that brought the change America desperately needs. Others say it is the day America went to hell. Either way, Jan. 20, 2009, will go down in history as the day that the first African-American became president of the United States of America.

"I think it is a really exciting time for our nation, especially for the baby boomers that went through integration of schools and such. They can witness an African-American be elected. It is amazing to see how much the world has changed in such a short period of time," said Kathryn Frank, an event specialist in Longwood's Office of Conferences and Scheduling.

"I just hope he can get the country on the right track, but I do feel that this is a significant historic event" said sophomore Edward Himel.

Around 11 a.m. Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and a number of other people began to make their way from the White House to Capitol Hill. At 11:40 a.m. Obama arrived at Capitol Hill, and at 11:50 a.m. an opening prayer was given by Rick Warren, the author of the bestselling book "The Purpose Driven Life." The choice of was criticized within the gay community because Warren has been a vocal supporter of legislation banning same-sex marriage in California.

Aretha Franklin, often referred to as the Queen of Soul, sang "My Country Tis of Thee." Although Obama did not take his oath until 12:05 p.m., he officially became president at noon. The Constitution states that the term begins at noon, regardless if the president-elect has taken the oath or not. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath, but misspoke the order of several words. Obama paused to correct the mistake. Other than that slight misstep the oath went smoothly. Obama took his oath on the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln used in 1861. Obama is the first president to use the Bible since Lincoln.

Afterwards Obama delivered his much-anticipated speech and accompanied George W. Bush to his departure ceremony. Afterwards, Obama attended a luncheon at the Capitol. The inauguration parade then began, and Obama and his wife walked the 1.5-mile segment that Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Bush Sr. and Bush Jr. walked following their inaugurations. At 7:00 p.m. the first of the 10 inaugural balls began.

"I'm a history major and I just think it is big that I can say that I witnessed the inauguration of the first black president. I am going to be teaching this in five years," said sophomore Emily Vam Daniker

"This is not something I ever expected to happen, but change is good. This is definitely going to be a day in history," said sophomore Brandy Garganta.