Mary Lou Edmondson

This is indeed a triumph for our better angels, for our community, for our nation, and for the world. Watching it at CCNY -- all of us "the children of the whole people"-- was indescribably moving.

We now have a chance to live up to President Barack Hussein Obama's mighty words: WE are the people we have been waiting for. May we be up to it. 

Ellis Simon
I went to the Mall in Washington for the Inauguration, where it was much colder and the only food I had was some pretzels I brought from home. Nevertheless, it was an incredible experience to be part of this huge gathering of Americans from all over the country. We were more than one-half of one percent of the entire population!

Also, it was a very democratic experience. The Inauguration of a President is the equivalent of a coronation of a monarch, yet anyone could come to the Mall and be part of it. All I needed was a train ticket to Washington.

Finally, when the helicopter carrying President and Laura Bush to the airport flew overhead, we had a powerful reminder of the strength of our democracy. We had just completed a smooth and peaceful transition between two governments with radically different philosophies.

For all of these reasons I have renewed confidence that despite the challenges we face as Americans we will be OK in the long run.
 

Anonymous CCNY Student
We arrive at the school at 11:20ish. It's cold, but me and my sister are wrapped up nice and warm. As we cross through the threshold and onto the school grounds we suddenly find ourselves walking with a group of people. It is easily assumed that they are all, like us, on their way to watch the Inauguration live in The Great Hall. The invitation says the festivities do not start till 11:30, but the moment we step in, we realize we are late. The Great Hall is a very big room, and it is incredibly packed with people from all walks of life—some young, some old, some students, some professors. Luckily, there are two seats left for me and my sister; the only seats left, it seems, in the whole room! As I look around to see if I can recognize any of the endless faces that fill this room, I notice that beyond the seats there are rows of people—standing as they watch the projector screen and wait for any sign of commencement. As the speeches and performances begin, there is almost a deafening silence. Then as Obama first steps out, the crowd erupts into applause like a dormant volcano that was suddenly awakened. My sister, being young, does not quite understand the significance of this moment, but I am glad she is here to experience it. Around me, people are very proud and enthusiastic to see a man like Barack Obama leading our country. It is easy to see these people from all walks of life—including me and my sister—are ready for this great change. Roars of applause are heard at every mention of Obama's name throughout the ceremony; the loudest roars of all happen after he is sworn in.