Truly a historic day …

At 10:50 this morning, Le-Anne and I arrived at David and Muriel McGibbon’s (Le-Anne’s parents) south end Guelph condo to watch history in the making: the inauguration of the first African-American and 44th President of the United States – Barack Obama. It was a moving ceremony. There were a few moments in particular that struck me …

Pastor Rick Warren’s moving opening prayer (invocation).

[youtube Z-8R1OXWJz8]

You can read the full transcript here.

The pure nervous humanity of Obama’s oath of office … botched by Chief Justice Roberts? You decide …

[youtube 5ve_R7BKIwU]

I loved the presence of the arts … the “first lady” of soul – Aretha Franklin; poet – Elizabeth Alexander; but especially the John Williams composition, “Air and Simple Gifts”, performed by Itzhak Perlman (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Garriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet). It was during this beautiful performance that Obama actually became president … as the clock struck 12 noon.

[youtube NQzZEK7jVaE]

This was the most watched event in history … and great to share it and celebrate it with my family. Until next time. TD