Obama sworn in as 44th President of USA

Barack Obama sworn in as 44th President of America
Moment of history as
Barack Obama has taken the oath of office and been sworn in as America's 44th president - and the country's first African-American leader.

More than one million people gathered in the National Mall in a wintry Washington DC, to see Mr Obama take the oath shortly after 1200 (1700 GMT).

Mr Obama placed his hand on a Bible and promised to "preserve, protect and defend" the US constitution.

He used his inaugural address to vow to begin the work of "remaking America".

"The challenges we face are real," the new president said. "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."

Invoking the memory of the US's Founding Fathers, Mr Obama said he would strive to rebuild his nation's standing in the world, saying: "We are ready to lead once more."

Unprecedented security is in place, with 40,000 on duty or stand-by.

Across the US there is a sense of history being made, correspondents say.

Anticipation has been building across the US ahead of the ceremony, held on the steps of the US Capitol, where Congress sits.

See map showing key sites of Inauguration Day
But the new president faces serious challenges. America is gripped by uncertainty as the economy faces its worst crisis in decades.

Mr Obama must also handle wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and seek to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Solemn vows

Ceremonies began on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol, where Congress sits, with an opening prayer asking for the protection and safety of the new president and vice-president.

Mr Obama stood solemnly during the invocation by conservative Rick Warren, his eyes closed in the final moments before he took office.

Aretha Franklin then sang the US national anthem against a backdrop of clear blue skies and a light wind. Thousands waved flags as the soul legend sang her version of the Star Spangled Banner to a rapturous reception.

Joseph Biden, a veteran senator, was then sworn in as vice-president by the longest-serving member of the US Supreme Court.

The focus then shifted to America's first black president.

Barack Obama placed his hand on a Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his inauguration in 1861 and repeated the oath of office, promising to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States".

He then began delivering his inaugural address - a 20-minute speech focussing on themes of responsibility, accountability, and the renewal of America and its role and relations with the world.

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• 44th
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• 20
• 01
• 2009

[AbundantDivineMercy]

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

[dreamergirlusa]

Obama is the front man for pelosi, reed, frank, dod, Hamas, Iran, radical terrorists and he has a full detailed plan with 9,000 earmarks ready to drive American into a depression and kill the stock market and capitalism . Since the economy is not as bad as it was in the carter years, Maybe if he goes around saying this is an economic crises Americans will panic. Nationalize the banks, health care, and everything else so we can be a socialist disaster like what Hitler brought to the world.

[sharethecorn]

this is the truthhh

[jacksonnicolem]

Well if you would like to be technical we should own it...being as though it was built on our backs...for FREEEEEEE!!!!!

[brandoburn]

he DID interrupt the speaker in the first place...threw him off...

[brandoburn]

good point...it just seemed like he messed up. I still dont like how the black people think they own the country now. Martin Luther King's dream was to equalize...not overcome

[XxRAWRxxEMILYxX]

barak obama did not mess up the man who was the speeker messed up why do you think barak nodded his head to give him a little sign that the speeker messed up barak corrected him. i thought he messed up at first too. =)

[zzzzis4me]

stupid senate guy messed up Obama

[Terrapinfan2007]

heard some boo's what was that about,

did Biden dis Obama?

[DsHacker14]

im the first hispanic poster ;)

go barack!!