Barack Obama's inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America, broadcast live worldwide was an emotional ceremony. From the moment he stepped onto the Capitol Hill podium, there were cheers and tears.
The US got its first black president when Obama took oath with the words: "I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of the President."
A sea of humanity more than 2 million strong watched the words in silence, and with tears that recognised the journey Obama had come.
"A man whose father wouldn't have been served at a restaraunt today stands before you to take this oath." Obama's entire inaugural ceremony was a recognition of that triumph of civil rights in the US. The anthem "My country tis of thee" was performed by America's first lady of soul Aretha Franklin and was a recognition of the many minorities in the US that feel proudest of Obama's presidency.
It was followed by a performance by Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma, Jewish violinist Itzhak Perlman and pianist Gabriela Montero - entitled "air and simple gifts". Each piece of music as well as the poem that followed was picked personally by the man who's moment it was. A day that moved millions, was watched by billions, and gave people everywhere a new world leader.
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