I don't know if the inauguration is controversial but felt since its political I'd begin the discussion here. I'm loving seeing the heartfelt outpouring of enthusiasm around this inauguration and this president.

Nightline interviewed people coming off the bus from all over the country to D.C. for the inauguration. Some rode 2-3 days. A little girl got off the bus and turned to her mom to say "Where is Obama?"

I'm moved for the sake of our children. My son's school is watching the swearing in.

Please share what discussion is going on in your child's school or in your home re: the new president and the actual celebration of the changing of presidential reins?

By Ginny on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 05:56 am:

I've been quietly celebrating since the election results. At my age, having watched the beginning and all of the Civil Rights Movement on live television, I am amazed. I am amazed and profoundly grateful that in my lifetime - in 50 years, in fact - this great nation has moved from being a place where children were spat upon as they walked into school to a nation where a man of color has been elected president. I am always proud to be an American, but I am especially proud of my country at this time. It is wonderful to see how humanity and reason can eventually prevail over prejudice.

I am also grateful and proud to live in a nation where a change in government leadership is accompanied by parades and marching bands, not tanks in the street. Just think about how blessed we are!

As for the inauguration itself, I will be at work. The timing is right for me to spend my lunch hour (and maybe a bit more) in our reception area, watching the 60" flatscreen TV.

By Feona on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 08:03 am:

The school is rearranging Lunch time so the children can see the inauguration.

Very important time in history. All the children and adults can feel that the USA is an equal opportunity nation. Maybe that feeling will make it more so.

By Jtsmom on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 09:17 am:

My second grader is real excited about the inauguration. They will be watching it today at school. I was not a supporter at all of Obamas, but as an American it is now my job to support him. I will be watching it today and praying for him and our country.
"I am also grateful and proud to live in a nation where a change in government leadership is accompanied by parades and marching bands, not tanks in the street. Just think about how blessed we are!" VERY WELL SAID!

By Joan on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 - 04:14 pm:

It's a teacher workday here today, and the children are off from school. My ten year old grandson has been watching today's events with me. At one point he saw the tears in my eyes and asked me why I was crying. This afforded me the opportunity to explain to him the significance of this day from my viewpoint. I really never thought that this would happen during my lifetime.

By Feona on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 - 09:30 am:

My eighty year old mother called. She immigrated from Scotland when she was about 25. She still has her green card. She said the same thing.

She couldn't believe this great thing happening in her lifetime.

By Northcountrymom on Friday, January 23, 2009 - 09:32 pm:

Hi Everybody,
I know we've moved on but I still want to say how beautiful and moving I found this transition of power and the coming of age of America. I know I am not alone - the number of people on the Mall, the quality of the people that participated in the ceremony underscored the power of the moment. I kept thinking how often in history will Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life), YoYo Ma, Itzah Perlman, Aretha Franklin, the Entire Supreme Court, 3 ex American presidents, Rev. Lowery and Martin Luther King Jr.s son all participate in the same ceremony on international television. All while the Obama children played with mom in their seats (loved the coat dresses with the ribbons).

I also share the gratitude that the artillery was ceremonial. The presence of the military an act of government participation.

God bless America,
Linda

By Northcountrymom on Friday, January 23, 2009 - 09:34 pm:

I forgot to mention that Charlie Rose on PBS is doing a first hundred days of Obama update every day.