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President Obama and Mrs. Obama

Four years ago, I thought it was important for my sons to attend the inauguration celebrations for President Obama. Four years later, I thought it was equally or possibly more important for us to once again attend the re-election inaugural celebrations for President Obama. The same enthusiasm displayed during the inauguration celebrations in January 2009 was as powerful in January 2013. The crowds were a little smaller but record setting for a second term president.

President Obama was sworn in using two bibles: one used by President Lincoln and a bible used by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., coincidently President Obama’s public swearing in ceremony took place on Dr. King’s federal holiday.

President Obama entering St. John’s Church

We began Inauguration Day waiting for President Obama to arrive for prayer services at St. John’s Episcopal Church. We then headed to the Metro for a trip to the Capital for the swearing in ceremony and ended our day enjoying the Inaugural Parade as it passed by the White House. We had an amazing time waving to and cheering on the parade floats as they passed.
Every once in a while we would look over to the glass viewing stand where President Obama was enjoying the parade, which was equally as amazing!

While walking to the swearing in ceremony we were directly behind a gentleman who had difficulty walking but who was determined to reach his goal of attending this historic event. The feeling of support and respect was in the air as it was in January 2009. Four years ago the weather was extremely cold but this time around it was warmer with temperatures reaching up to 60 degrees on Sunday, a day in which I found myself re-visiting the Lincoln Memorial.

Heading to the Capital for Swearing in Ceremony on Jan. 21, 2013

I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity of attending both of President Obama’s Inaugurations. Each experience left me with optimism and hope for the next four years and beyond! My sons will one day be able to tell their children that they attended such historic events.
Being able to provide these types of opportunities to my sons, fills my heart with immense joy!

President Obama and Vice President Biden in Parade Viewing Stand Jan. 21, 2013

“I believe we can keep the promise of our founders, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or who you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, able, disabled, gay or straight, you can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.”

“I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions, and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are and forever will be the United States of America.” ~President Barack Obama’s victory speech in the early hours of November 7, 2012

Tags: 2013 Inauguration Celebration, President Barack Obama, President Barack Obama's Second Inauguration