The Inauguration of Barak Obama: A Firsthand Account

When Barack Obama was inaugurated as America’s first African-American President, I watched from my TV only a few miles away. It was a cold, cloudy day, but thousands and thousands of people climbed on jam-packed metro train cars and busses. Some even walked across the Key Bridge from Arlington, Virginia, to get into Washington, D.C. I saw groups of people moving down the street outside of my apartment. They had homemade signs in puffy jackets and happy faces. I wondered what they would eat. I also wondered where they would sleep. I watched from my warm living room with what I imagined to be a much better view of a new President taking the oath of office.

The Inauguration of Barak Obama: A Secondhand Account

Barak Obama was inaugurated as our nation’s 44th president on Tuesday, January 20, 2009. It was the most attended event in Washington, D.C.’s history. The inauguration was held to celebrate the 200th year of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. Lincoln was mentioned throughout the event. Obama was even sworn into office using the same Bible Lincoln used when he became President.

The event offered welcoming remarks, the oath of office, and an inaugural address. There was music by Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, and other talented artists. The night was celebrated with a series of inaugural balls, which the new First Family attended.

How does the author's perspective change between the first and secondhand accounts?