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Barack Obama sworn in as 44th President

By Ruth Doherty on Wednesday 21 January 2009

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Barack Obama, news, Marie Claire

Barack Obama made history yesterday as he was officially inaugurated as the first black President of the United States.

In what was a truly momentous occasion, Obama took to the Capitol Steps in Washington in front of a two million-strong crowd, placed his right hand on Abraham Lincoln's bible and affirmed: 'I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear that I will execute the office of the President of the United States faithfully.'

In his highly anticipated inaugural address, Obama thanked his predecessor George W. Bush for 'his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and co-operation he has shown throughout this transition.'

Then he got down to business.

Referring to the crises he has taken on board – two wars, economic meltdown, housing and healthcare problems – he said: 'The challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time.

'But know this, America – they will be met.

'On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

'On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.'

SEE OBAMA'S FULL INAUGURATION HERE:

The President - watched by a bulging crowd, which included a host of celebrities like Beyonce, Jay-Z and P Diddy – told the crowd he hoped for peace, but that we 'will not be defeated' by terrorism.

He finished his rousing speech by quoting George Washington.

'With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come.

'Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.'

Obama himself said his Muslim Kenyan father may not have been served in a restaurant in America sixty years ago – but his son is now the most powerful man in the world.