Today is the Second Inauguration of President Barack Obama, our first Black President, as well as the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. MLK would have been 84 years old today and 50 years ago he gave his famous "I Have A Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington, where he declared,
"I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."
President Obama will stand on the Capital steps to take the Oath of Office and look across the Mall to the Lincoln Memorial where one great man stood and fought for a dream that is now coming true. May we take time to reflect today, not only on the peaceful transfer of power in our government but also how as a nation we are moving forward to reflect a country of diversity with people of all colors, all nationalities, all religions and sexual orientations.
Truly I am proud to be an American today!
Well said, Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved that speech, especially the "content of their character." I'm joining in the celebration today of so many important values. Thanks for your lovely words.
ReplyDeleteIt is truly a special day! I too am proud to be an American.
ReplyDeleteVery special day indeed and a lovely quote. Thank you. g
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the quote, Carolyn. This speech always brings tears to my eyes. How proud MLKJr would have been to see the changes he strived for come to pass.
ReplyDeleteWell, said! It is a momentous day for us all!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - I couldn't agree with you more......I have that same dream too. This past election cycle was especially tough to watch as the republicans tried desperately to turn back the hands of time in so many ways. Thank you for posting your dreams and the dreams of the country.
ReplyDeleteBravo. I'm English but I do believe Barack Obama gives us all hope.
ReplyDeleteWell said Carolyn.
ReplyDeleteThe kids had a "snow day" here in London. It gave me a little smile that my girls got MLK day off school, even if only by serendipity.
wonderful day, indeed.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carolyn. Yes, a wonderful day it is.
ReplyDeleteAh, Carolyn, how wonderfully you have expressed the feelings of so many of us Americans. The majority of us, in fact. Thank you for repeating the words of Dr. King. We're all proud today!
ReplyDeleteAmen. I can't hear that speech often enough. It really is a special day.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commemorating our country with its 44th President and our wayshower, Martin Luther KIng, Jr.
I am so pleased - and proud - to have been able to vote twice for President Obama.
ReplyDeleteWhat a momentous day!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post on an amazing day!
ReplyDeleteA lovely post .. Barak Obama brings hope to all citizens of the world. I hope he gets the opportunity (and support) to use his 2nd term to make his visions reality. Enjoy your day Americans.
ReplyDeleteThank you Carolyn! Today was a wonderful expression of democracy at its best.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Carolyn! I rejoice with you! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not American, but I got a little teary watching the news this morning. Yes, this is a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteWell said. It was a wonderful day and a great speech.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very happy for American people that you all have such a great President, I hope he gets all the support he needs to do his job well:) ....and I believe that he wouldn't be half the man he is without the remarkable person Michelle Obama is, they always look like they are two compatible persons, not just a great man and his wife but two individuals filling a purpose, making a difference.
I recently saw a video clip of Mrs. O. greeting people as they come and see the White House, the looks on people's faces was worth a lot and the way she greeted everyone was just priceless to watch, she is a great person.
Hope I haven't made too many spelling errors, LOL!!
Congratulations, a wonderful day, a spectacular first family.
ReplyDeleteSignificant INDEED!!!!(beaming with pride)
ReplyDeleteAMEN Ms. Carolyn! I too am beaming with pride!
ReplyDeleteThank you for those thoughts. I am not American but I am very interested . I sometimes wonder if Americans realize how important their vote is for the whole world . From my point of view the right man won!! The poor fellow has som much to do and in such a difficult atmosphere of opposition from the other side . He will need all the good will and some miricals to make it work . All power to him and his cabinet.What is Hilary Clinton going to do now??
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