By: Richard Mahler
Music and cheers ignited the frigid January air around the U.S. Capital Jan. 20.
Just before President Barack Obama took the oath of office, a stellar quartet composed of violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist (and Peabody Conservatory faculty member) Anthony McGill and pianist Gabriela Montero offered the premiere of Air and Simple Gifts. The piece was created for the occasion by noted film composer John Williams. Aretha Franklin also made an appearance to sing “My Country Tis of Thee” for the inauguration.
Amid the cheer, however, some feelings die hard. Outgoing President George W. Bush got little respect from the throngs. When his image appeared on the big screen, many in the crowd booed. Others started singing "Na na na na/Hey, hey/Goodbye.'' A few held American flags upside down in protest of Bush's presidency. Still, other Obama supporters expressed much dismay onto the critics.
With a few stumbled words while wearing a navy suit and red tie, Obama repeated the oath of office, his hand on the same Bible used in President Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration. Barack Hussien Obama has become the 44th president of the United States. Obama thanked those who sacrificed so much so "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." He also added, “Dr King’s dream has come true, the real American dream has become a reality. “
Obama's somber address, which called Americans to "a new era of responsibility," mostly belied the enthusiasm of massive crowds that had spent all morning celebrating, breaking into spontaneous pro-Obama cheers as they stood in awe of his presence on the big screens that lined the mall.
"This is not an American election," said boxing promoter Don King at the Huffington Post Pre-inaugural Party the day before the inauguration. "This is a global inauguration because people are looking for that beacon of hope and light called freedom from this country as their leadership."
Only time will tell how Obama will be tested. From Jan. 21 and onward it is full speed ahead for this optimistic administration.