A Day to Remember

Today is my birthday and what a day it's been. Mostly of course, due to the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama. (Yeah, thanks for stealing my thunder! :) But in all seriousness, it's a birthday to remember because it was so historical. For that, I wanted to record my thoughts and highlight quotes from the new President's speech today, so that one day my kids can know what truly a monumental occassion this day was.

I have to admit that although I wasn't initially an Obama fan during the campaign (I didn't like McCain either though), I have tried hard to step back and push the criticism, the hype, and the negativity out that sometimes clutters the media. Instead, I remain hopeful, positive, and more importantly, have faith that Barack Obama will be the kind of leader that our country needs right now. As we all know, it's a tumultous time for our country with the wars and the economic crisis and all, but I do believe we have chosen someone who inspires and motivates, who is prepared to learn and work hard, who geuninely cares for the American people, and most importantly, who loves our country. Today marks history as the first African-American President was sworn in as President, and I'm so proud to be living during this era to witness that occassion. It makes me even prouder to be an AMERICAN and hopeful that change will happen and that great things lie ahead for our country.

Here's some highlights from President Obama's speech today:

"Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and begin again the work of remaking America."

"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies..."

"It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours," Mr Obama added. "It is the fire-fighter’s courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent’s willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate."

"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history."

"This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!