Barack Obama inaugural address: Jan. 20, 2009

Perhaps a little daunted by the challenges he inherited, Barack Obama was sworn in as America's first black president on January 20, 2009.

[smoke]

i was 8 years old when i saw this live on television in my 3rd grade classroom. im 19 years old now. time flies.

[angjelossalca]

I forgot how a real president sounds, that's why I'm here.

[atomicspid]

I remember sitting on the floor with my classmates watching Obama’s inauguration in first grade. Back then I don’t think it truly hit me how historic this was.

[robsmith]

That man worked hard. I've never seen a president who aged so much during their presidency.

[crosswaynyc]

Who else came here to remember how a President looks and sounds?

[theshadowarrow]

6:46 He talks about the sun and the sun shines on his flag pin

[andrewjsims]

I remember 4th grade me being so happy to watch this in the classroom. History was made. ❤️

[illegallemur]

Watched this in history class. My teacher was shedding tears. It really moved us

[pkattk]

Remember the context: This was in the throes of the biggest recession the United States had seen since the Great Depression. We're about to enter a new one in the face of COVID-19. These words need to be heeded more than ever.

[theodoregraves]

Voted both terms for him best President in history still is my President

[Russmar]

I was there. It will be something I will NEVER forget.

[pn]

I wounder how Obama speak..with clarity and vigor. When he speaks... everything comes to a stand still

[karas.]

It was a difficult time then, and it's a difficult time now. On that day in 2009, I was hosting a client from our marketing firm in NYC. I made a reservation at a place that was showing the inauguration and reserving tables. The place was packed....but it was silent. Everyone in there had their eyes glued to the TV, listening to every word. I never cared about politics. I DIDN'T care about politics. But so many of us wanted change, and Obama's words spoke to so many of us. I had tears streaming down my face at one point, and I couldn't believe how emotional I got. Welp, fast forward to I'm getting choked up all over again after everything we've been experiencing. I miss Obama. I miss having a President who knew what leadership meant. #VOTE

[djnoneofyourbusiness]

I’ve noticed a huge difference between Obama’s inauguration and Trump’s... the crowd. Everyone here seems so calm, happy, and light. The crowd at Trump’s looks and feels very aggressive. It’s eerie.

[jonathand.steelejr]

We still love you and have a dream Barack Obama . We as a people will not forget what you did . I am glad to have witnessed your presidency . I am a Democrat and proud of it . I vote all the time and value our fore father's . I am also not ashamed of my God . I will fight for peace and pray for you and America .
Sincerely, Jonathan Steele Jr .

[himynamelscolin]

I come here every now and then just so I can sleep at night

[anaistres]

The SIZE of that crowd....damn. 0_0 I was in Junior High during his inauguration in 2009, and I remember people took the day off and flew out to be at the inauguration. What a powerful crowd.

[sethmayse]

Regardless of your thoughts on Obama, he was an absolutely incredible speaker. I feel like that can’t be denied.

[breadboy]

This was on my birthday I will never forget.

[agentone]

I remember I was in kindergarten watching this, then he got re elected when I was in 4th grade. now I’m 16 a junior in high school and we’re headed into the 2020 election🥴