Today is Inauguration Day!

"Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question."
- Thomas Jefferson, Inaugural address, 4 March 1801

"The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."
- Abraham Lincoln, Inaugural address, 4 March 1861

"Much has been given us, and much will rightfully be expected from us. We have duties to others and duties to ourselves; and we can shirk neither. We have become a great nation, forced by the fact of its greatness into relations with other nations of the earth, and we must behave as beseems a people with such responsibilities."
- Theodore Roosevelt, Inaugural address, 4 March 1905

"Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself; nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
- Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Inaugural address, 4 March 1933

"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both."
- Dwight D. Eisenhower, Inaugural address, 20 January 1953

"Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce."
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Inaugural address, 20 January 1961

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America,"
~ Barack Obama, Inaugural address, January 20-2009

Fifty five times a man has stood up to be sworn in to serve as President of the United States. Today for the very first time , that man has African heritage. The grounds at the Capitol Building were filled today with over two million spectators who stood in long lines and went through many security checks to listen to his first Presidential Speech. Tears flowed from the eyes of People of all races and all ages as they listened to his Promise of Change. In other countries The television and the Internet showed the people dancing in the streets as they watched him become President.

Beginning the day in an early morning Church service The Obamas will likely be very late returning home to the White House tonight. There are many elaborate balls going on tonight where they will be expected to show up and at least dance one dance at each. Some one told me there were ten. I might add that I wasn't invited to any of them.

The morning worship service was followed by coffee with the Bush family before the processional to the capitol. Where first the Vice- President and then the President were sworn in. Listening to the Inaugural Address today I myself was charmed by Barack's charisma; His promises of change for a better world are the hopes and dreams of Almost every living person. There are so many areas where we need change. I found myself wondering ~ Where will he begin? Does he have enough time in office? Can it even be done?~ I know he believes he can. I truly hope he can!

After the departure of the Outgoing President. The New First Family Joined the Members of both the senate and the house for the Inaugural Luncheon. In 1953, the JCCIC began its current tradition of hosting a luncheon for the President, Vice President and their spouses, Senate leaders, the JCCIC members, and other invited guests. Since then, the JCCIC has organized a luncheon celebration at eight Presidential Inaugurations. Often featuring cuisine reflecting the home states of the new President and Vice President, as well as the theme of the Inauguration, the luncheon program includes speeches, gift presentations from the JCCIC, and toasts to the new administration.

~Today's Lunch was marred only by the sudden illness of Senator Edward Kennedy who was taken from the luncheon to the hospital where he is said to be in good spirits tonight. Itching to get back to work.

After the elaborate lunch it was on to the inaugural parade Where the Obama's surprised the crowds lining the route by getting out of their heavily armored limo to walk first hand in hand and then with their arms around each other for a few blocks waving to the shouting crowds. I'm thinking by the looks on some of the security people's faces that they weren't much in favor of this plan. I think it made him appear to be a President who can be reached by all men. Not one who is just for the rich and powerful. We know that for security reasons he will not be able to just be called up like our cousin Ralph. But at least he appears to be a president for all people. We will see how that turns out in the next few weeks and months.

‘A New Birth of Freedom’~ That was the theme for today's celebrations. I truly hope that today is a new beginning not only for our country but also for the world. Change does have to begin small. I would like to see more green space and less highways. More food growing and less landfills. More helping hands and less waste. I would also like for us to have better medical care for those who don't have either insurance or money. Better programs need to be developed for the training of those with no jobs. This country has a lot that needs to be done.. Could those things become jobs for the unemployed? I try to do my part. I recycle everything I can. I grow a potion of what we eat. I fight Dave tooth and Nail to keep every tree standing on this land! I know my little bit sounds small but I'm thinking if everyone did a little then it would all add up to a lot!

Please join me today in prayer for this Country and for our world. Rather we voted for Barack Obama or rather we didn't doesn't matter tonight as he steps into what has to be the most extreme job any one could ever have. I would never ask for the worries he will face tomorrow morning as he begins his new job. This country has many many problems that have been raging footloose for years and years. Let us ask for patience before we belittle or attack him in his first months as Commander and Chief. And let us all agree with him that WE CAN CHANGE OUR WORLD! Have a great day!
Patsy


Inauguration Fun Facts!

George Washington's inauguration was held in New York City on April 30, 1789.

Inauguration Day was changed to January 20, from March 4, in 1933 by the passage of the Twentieth Amendment to the US Constitution.

Bill Clinton's, January 20, 1997, inauguration was the first inauguration to be broadcast live over Internet.

George Washington gave the shortest inaugural address in history. (135 words)

In 1865, Abraham Lincoln was the first president to include African-Americans in his inaugural parade.

In 1917, Woodrow Wilson was the first president to include women in his inaugural parade.

When January 20 is on a Sunday, the president-elect usually takes the oath of office privately and then repeats the ceremony in public on Monday.