Watching Barack Obama's Presidential Inaugural Ceremony On Roosevelt Island - A Packed House

Packed House of Roosevelt Islanders watching Inaugural of President Barack Obama

I stopped by Roosevelt Island's Good Shepherd Community Center to watch President Barack Obama's Inaugural Ceremony and was thrilled to see so many people in attendance. The room was packed, standing room only, with Roosevelt Islanders of every age present, from toddlers to Seniors, and reflected the multi-ethnic and racial composition of our community. Prior to President Obama's (doesn't that sound great) speech, those in attendance initially watched quietly and intently to the proceedings, not quite believing that what we were seeing was actually occurring, but then burst out in applause and cheering when President Obama took the Oath Of Office, with quite a few people wiping some tear drops from their moist eyes.

Here is video and text of President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address from CNN.


The Obama administration has already gone to work by changing the White House web site so that citizens can participate in the new agenda for the United States. Change has come to the White House.

Newsday reports that an employee of Roosevelt Island's Coler-Goldwater Hospital won a lottery to attend the Inaugural:

Thompson, a data-entry administrator at Coler-Goldwater Hospital on Roosevelt Island, won tickets to watch the inauguration up close from Sen. Charles Schumer, who conducted a statewide lottery in December to distribute 175 pairs of tickets.

... Thompson has high expectations for Obama's administration.

"I hope the best for him," she said. "I hope that what he says he's going to do, he'll do it. I hope that he does his best."

But Thompson said she's aware of the difficulties that face the president-elect. She doesn't expect him to complete all of his campaign promises right away.

"It's not going to be easy," she said. "We're really in a bad situation right now. It's going to take time for him to get the country back running."

This is the first Presidential election that I have ever been proud to have voted for any candidate. I am proud to have voted for Barack Obama.

Now the hard work begins.