Inauguration Day.

The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea... that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

Today is 'Obama Day' and what an amazing, heart-warming day it has been. Truly, all eyes were on America as Barack Obama was sworn in as forty-fourth President of the United States and mine were no exception. The Students' Union opened its doors to Obama-mania at four o'clock, a large screen was prepared and free brownies handed out to the gathered spectators. By half four the room was heaving, yet the projector refused to work and we were forced to make do with a small screen in the corner of the bar. It was very hot and noisy and I stood on tiptoes as every tall person present made it their duty to stand in my way. In the run-up to the ceremony the air was static with excitement and expectations. We laughed and hissed when George Bush appeared on the screen and cheered wildly whenever Barack Obama was shown or mentioned. One boy stood with the Stars and Stripes draped across his shoulders like a toga. Ah, the pantomime of American democracy. When the ceremony proper began the impact was immediate. The room, tightly packed with students though it was, fell silent as we waited and we watched and we listened. Obama's speech was some eighteen minutes long but we registered every word. When there was mention of change or peace or equality we clapped along with a million Americans thronging the lawns of National Mall in Washington DC. It was a momentous experience and a feeling pervaded that we were a part of something big, something historic. Barack Obama has a difficult road ahead of him today and he must walk it with the heavy burden of expectation. However, should trust be the means of lightening this weight, then the faith in the new President, as demonstrated today in America and around the world, will aid Obama well in his quest for change.