'First Black In White House': Obama

Insync

oi-Staff

By Staff

Friday, January 23, 2009, 11:46

It was the historic moment of pride as the first African American president of US was sworn in. Barack Hussien Obama took the oath on Tuesday as America's 44th president.

The National Mall was crowded by hundreds and thousands of people who had gathered to witness their favorite leader take the oath at some time around 1700 GMT.

The oath was administered to Obama by by the Chief Justice John Roberts, placed his hand on the holy Bible and pledged to "preserve, protect and defend" the US constitution.

Followed by the swearing-in, at the Inaugural address, Obama stated that he plans to begin the work of "remaking America". He also said that the world had changed and it is the 'new age of responsibility'.

He received thunderous cheer from the crowed as he went on to say that his scale of achievements included being the first black American to be elected for the White house. "This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed... why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath."

The president declared that "America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more". "The challenges we face are real," the new president said while adding: "They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. "But know this America - they will be met," the new President announced.

At the inaugural speech at the Capitol Hill, he reminded his country men about the economic recession and the foreign policy challenges ahead. Talking about Bush's 'war on terrorism', Barack Obama said that the United States 'would responsibly leave Iraq to its people' and build 'a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan.'

He further highlighted the present day challenges faced by US saying that "We are in the midst of a crisis and our economy is badly week. But we have chosen hope over fear and unity over discord." "Our spirit is strongest and no one can outlast us," Obama asserted.

Showing magnanimity to the outgoing President George W. Bush, Obama said: "I thank Bush for his service to the nation".

However, he also added that "the nation is bigger than our individual ambitions." he concluded his speech by saying that while the people of America must now enter the 'new age of responsibilities' as the country faces new challenges. The speech ended by Obama saying "May God bless us and United States of America."

The speech was followed by Chief Justice John Roberts administered oath of office to Joe Biden for the post of Vice President of the United States. AGENCIES