A moment in history

Barack Obama sworn in as nation’s 44th president

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The multitudes on the streets of Washington, D.C. hushed as Barack Obama solemnly swore to “faithfully execute the office of the President of the United States.”

When he finished the oath of office with the words “So help me God,” a roar went up that could be heard along the length and across the breadth of the National Mall and beyond.

Duncan Plancon of Woodbridge had a seat in front of the Capitol reflecting pool with his wife, Kerry.

He said Obama looked “pretty small” but he and his wife were able to catch the mood at the inauguration of the 44th president.

“It was exciting,” the 47-year-old Plancon said in a phone interview.

People demonstrated their excitement in predictable ways, he said.

“They were dancing. They were crying. They were hugging. It was just fabulous,” Plancon said.

Clarence Gibson, of Stafford, walked down 14th Street shouting “Obama” as loud as he could.

“It’s wild, it’s a good feeling,” he said. “Just being here is amazing. I’ve been on a high for a week. The time has come, man.”

Sheila Godwin, a social worker who campaigned for former President Bill Clinton as well as Barack Obama, said the inauguration represented a “new season.”

“God controls everything and I just believe that this is God’s plan,” said the 52-year-old self-described evangelist from the Church of God in Christ Jackson, Tenn.

Godwin changed her vote from Hillary Clinton to Obama.

“I knew when he first announced his presidency. I knew he was going to win,” he said.

Todd Julian brought his wife, Mindy, and their daughters from Wisconsin to see the inauguration.

Like many others, they decided on Election Day to come to the nation’s capital for the swearing-in.

They didn’t get any passes ahead of time and listened to Obama’s speech on the loud speakers at 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Brianna Julian said the inaugural signaled to her that “change has come.”

“Anything can happen,” the 12-year-old said. “You can do whatever you want to.”

Kiana Julian, 7, proclaimed Obama, “the best president.”

Mindy Julian said, “The future is wide open now.”

Todd Julian said Obama’s election was the “best thing that could ever happen to this country.”

“It’s something that ... needed to be done,” the 45-year-old said.

Rene John-Sandy, who moved from the Caribbean to New York City 36 years ago, said an Obama presidency could only be good for the United States.

“I think this event will in some way help to erase some to the stigma that existed before,” said John-Sandy, 63. “I think it will create a more harmonious United States.”

John-Sandy, quoting Martin Luther King Jr., said he thought now he could be judged by the content of his character rather than the color of his skin.

Kit Harper and her husband brought their 9-year-old son, Jemel, to the inauguration out of a sense of history.

“We brought him up so he could say he was here,” the Richmond woman said.

Keith Walker is the Manassas Bureau Chief. The Richmond Times-Dispatch contributed to this report.