A Return to Grace

Today has already become history. The earth stood still as if time had stopped, for there was only one time… Obama time. Around the world and across our nation, time zones ceased to exist. No matter where we were, at noon in Washington D.C. we watched Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States, and the first African American to become our nation’s leader. Bob and I watched the events unfold on streaming Internet video. Despite the glitches and lost feed, and the sometimes-trivial blather of TV presenters, we felt the return of pride and respect for the Presidency. My favorite moment came at the end of the inaugural ceremony’s benediction, when the Rev. Joseph Lowery, a leader during the civil rights movement said, "We ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.” President Obama raised his bowed head and laughed as we all did. It was a great moment.

And when the parade went on and on into the darkness of night, with every person young and old playing and marching their best for this once in a lifetime moment, the President and First Lady remained in the viewing stand, long after everyone else had left to change into their evening clothes for the inaugural ball. You could see the fatigue in their faces, but they did not leave. I think they knew that the parade represented the spirit and diversity of America far better than the glittering ball gowns and formal tux. The parade was the People’s moment. It has been a glorious day. Now we have to get to work.

... P. L. Morningstar