January 20, 2009

All eyes looked to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, as Barack Obama officially became the 44th President of the United States. Despite freezing

temperatures, more than a million people packed the National Mall to witness the historic event. Now they can say, "I was there" when America's first black President was sworn in to office.

A new era begins

The sea of spectators stretched two miles from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963. Audience members included everyone from former Presidents, including outgoing Commander in Chief George W. Bush, to everyday Americans.

The ceremony took place on the steps of the Capitol building. Vice President Joe Biden was sworn in first. Then, just after noon, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John G. Roberts administered the Presidential oath of office. With his family by his side, Obama placed his hand on the same Bible that Abraham Lincoln used at his first Inauguration in 1861. He pledged to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Cheers erupted from the giant crowd as Obama formally joined the President's Club.

In the Inaugural Address that followed, Obama noted the many trials the nation faces. He spoke of everything from the economic crisis to the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He vowed to meet each challenge head on as President. "Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said to the crowd. "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."

Bush says good-bye

The Obamas began the day at church. Then they met with President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush for a traditional coffee date before heading to the Inauguration together. At the end of the ceremony, the Obamas bid the Bushes a final farewell. The outgoing leader hugged his successor warmly before boarding a helicopter from the Capitol.

Afterwards, the new First Family headed to a private luncheon, followed by the parade and ten Inaugural Balls. On Wednesday, Obama will officially begin his new, difficult job leading the nation. But as Obama said in his speech, he's ready: "Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

Barack Obama takes the oath of office as the 44th President of the United States. He is sworn in by U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts, with his wife Michelle and daughters Malia and Sasha by his side in Washington D.C.

(From left) Michelle and Barack Obama bid farewell to George and Laura Bush.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama wave to spectators during the Inaugural Parade.