Trina Knudsen: Barack Hussein Obama - Presidential Inauguration

First, I must preface this post by saying I did not have a high profile press pass to obtain these amazing angles of this historical day. The artistic credit for the images belongs to the many camera personnel of msnbc, who braved the freezing conditions to provide the world-wide video coverage which I enjoyed from the comfort of my living room. Photographing the live TV coverage was my way to participate in and document this historic event.

During my time in Europe I learned, first hand, the world was watching to see the outcome of the recent election which led to today's inauguration. Like millions of Americans who gathered at the Mall in Washington D.C. and across the country, countless people from around the world also celebrated the swearing in of Barack Hussein Obama, 44th President of the United States of America.

There was no doubt in watching the coverage, the excitement and hope for change, change aimed to touch our nation and the world.

Aretha Franklin sings in celebration . . .

Vice President, Joe Biden, as he takes the Vice President Oath of Office

World renoun musicians, Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, Gabriela Montero, Itzhak Perlman perform a special arrangement by John Williams

Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr., administers the Presidential Oath of Office to Barack Hussein Obama using the same Bible used during the presidential inauguration of Abraham Lincoln.

Michelle Obama stands by her husband and listens intently to the commitment her husband makes execute the office of the President of the United States faithfully and to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States . . .

. . . as do millions of people gathered at the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Highlights from President Obama's Inaugural address:

"Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision f those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents."

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord."

"The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

The nation watches and listens as the President speaks . . .

. . . and the light of hope and change can be seen in the faces and tears of the people.

The flag of the United States of America, with its stars and stripes, a long standing symbol of a nation's unity, waves above the President during his address.