Today at noon eastern standard time Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America. The inauguration of America's first black President brought huge crowds to Washington, estimated at about 1.4 million to 2 million.

Countless others who skipped going to Washington to witness the historic event in person tuned in to watch on the web or on television.

Outgoing president George W. Bush and his wife Laura left the Capitol by helicopter after President Obama's inauguration. They flew to Andrews Air Force Base just outside of Washington and took an Air Force jet home to Texas.

Mr. Bush was one of the most unpopular presidents in history and only had a 22% approval rating near the end of his second term according to a CBS News/New York Times poll. Nonetheless, he remained pleasant and upbeat during the event. Mr. and Mrs. Bush swapped hugs and handshakes with the Obamas before bidding farewell.

President Obama's first official act in office was issuing a proclamation, calling on Americans to serve one another and our common purpose today.

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century."

President Obama has come into office amid a national crisis, just when the country is in dire need of some serious changes. And the highlight of his campaign promise was just that - "Change."

Struggling Americans are hopeful that the Obama Administration will bring the needed changes to turn around the current direction of the U.S. - and stabilize our economy, save jobs, improve healthcare and education, and reduce our dependency on foregin oil.

But it may be a tall order, even for a president who made history on his first day in office.

Good luck and God bless, Mr. President.



Sources:
WhiteHouse.gov
News.Yahoo.com CNN.com