President Barack Obama assumes Office

Every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Catholic Online) - With the sun shining brightly and the electricity and excitement filling the crisp air, the Capitol City of the United States hosted what may be the largest outdoor political celebration in it's history, the Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States of America, President Barack Obama.

The Presidential Oath of Office and the much anticipated Inaugural address were preceded by Pastor Rick Warren who delivered a very meaningful, respectful and sincere prayer, concluding with the praying of the Our Father.

Next, America's treasured Aretha Franklin delivered a soulful rendition of "My Country Tis of Thee" (The Freedom Anthem). The new Vice President Joseph Biden then took the Oath of Office. Finally, "Air and Simple Gifts" was beautifully performed. The record breaking crowd was more than ready.

The new President took the Oath of Office from the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Roberts, at 12:05 p.m. He is the first African American to have ever assumed the office and the historic moment will never be forgotten by all who watched and all who remember the day.

The 44th President delivered a sober, reflective and at times both inspiring and challenging speech which will be dissected and become the source of numerous reflections in the coming days. Catholic Online has chosen to present it in its entirety.

He began the address with these words:

"I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms.

"At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forbearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans."

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