The four new faces of America moved into their big white house today. Today of course was historical. It was emotional. It was celebrated. It was an amazing thing to witness. So many things happened that were common and tradition, and yet those very same things were completely new and different. 43 men had taken the oath to be President of the United States before today, but for the first time in the great and turbulent history of this country did an African American state that same oath. Yesterday we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and I am sure he never imagined his dream would fully manifest itself through President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009. Maybe he thought it would happen in 1985 or maybe he thought it would happen in 2055, but it happened today and a lot of people's dreams came true.How remarkable is it that Barack Obama was sworn in using the same Bible President Lincoln used and on the steps of a Capital building built no doubt by the blood, sweat, and tears of slaves? I find it absolutely amazing. Some of my favorite parts from the inaugural address:
"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."
"We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace."
"We honour them [service men and women] not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves."
For as historic as this day was to each American I can't imagine the intense emotions that swelled within the hearts of the African American community. I am sure it was indescribable. Although 4 years leaves a lot of time for promises to be made and broken, policies to be debated, and poll numbers to fluctuate- TODAY was a great day to witness history.
9 comments:
Amen! Thanks for writing this taryn. I was writing my post last night about the historical significance of the inauguration and had the same type of feelings that you must have had. Thanks for putting politics and parties aside and writing how historical this day is for our nation! I agree 100%
That was an amazing thing to see. I was glued to the tv for hours watching coverage. I am excited to see some of the changes on the horizon....hopefully they are all good changes!
it was definately a day of emotions. i like the way you put it. regardless to what party we might support, it was undoubtedly a very big step in our history and a really amazing thing to be able to witness. I love you sis!
very true words Tar! Miss you!
Thanks Taryn! That was summed up great! It truly was a great day in our history. I am proud to be an american and am thankful to be blessed with freedom. We were able to experience this great moment in the history of our nation. Love ya!
You are such a great writer. So talented. I'm impressed and inspired by your words. It was an amazing and beautiful day in history.
It was an amazing day Taryn! I hope things are going well for you!
I love reading your posts, they are always so good!! Love everything your said.
Hi Sweeties!!
As everyone else said, you are such a great writer. I love to read your blog and know that you enjoy writing them as much as we enjoy reading them. It was a great day in history and I hope that we as a country can continue with the peacful spirit that we had today.
I really missed you today. I had to speak in Stake conference I thought I was going to faint. The closing song was the song you sang at Nicks farwell. I can't remember the name of it but it made me cry cause I just wanted to have you there singing it to me. We love you both so much. Have a great week. Love Mom
Post a Comment