The 57th Inauguration of the President of the United States of America

Today I woke with a purpose to witness history. And tonight I write my own page.

The roads were empty and hundreds of thousands of people voluntarily huddled together in the national mall, coffee in hand and hand warmers in pockets, all for a closer look at the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States of American -- again.

A thank you to the troops for such a morning as this to enjoy our freedom began the ceremony. I felt proud to know that in those selfless souls my boyfriend Corporal Ovide is included.

I humbled Listening to the wife of the late Medgar Evers, and to the poet whose father picked sugarcane to support the family and who thoughtfully reminded us of the children of Newton who would be "marked absent forever."

I felt elevated to see Justice Sonia Sotomayer swear in Vice president Joe Biden, the first woman and Latina to do so. And glad to see that Joe Biden meant his "so help me God!"

I absorbed the meaning for Kelly Clarkson to sing "My Country Tis of Thee." Truly meaningful as she is a woman who has come thus far because in this country her talent exceeded her gender, status and situation.

I stood taller and felt happy to experience President Barack Hussein Obama renew the oath of office, and see God's presence humble him as he slightly slurred a word -- a reminder that though he is granted this power, he is still human.

I listened to his speech, eloquently given in his trust-me blue tie and I did trust him. I do believe he feels what he said. That he is president of the United States of America, not just a party or faction. That although we hold the truth that all of us are created equal to be self-evident, it is not self-executed. We must all thrive for equality so that our talents and education and hard work will give us a bright future. 

I stood for the national anthem when Beyonce sang it with grace and flair.

I too have something to add to the day, a note for the president.

Dear President Obama,

Four years ago I felt proud, and today I feel proud still. Like many Americans I feel that I am not at my best, my reason is that I do not feel I am given the opportunity to work at my best and learn at my best. I hope that will change soon. But for what you have done so far I am proud to live in the United States you serve. I pray God will use you for good, keep you humble and keep you and your family in His protection, and I pray you will seek Him. In four more years your presidency will end, but your legacy will continue. If Rosa Parks sat so Dr. Martin Luther King could walk, and he so you could run -- Mr. President I hope you ran so that I can fly. Thank you for your service.

Sincerely,
S.Ogle