I don't think that the television crews were able to capture the deafening roar of the crowd after our President Barack Obama uttered those three words, "so help me God," solidifying his place in history as the first African-American president.
His soaring speech that followed did not disappoint. Here are some highlights:
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. 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.
"But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."
"The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified."
"We can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it."
"For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies."
"Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true."
"This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny."
"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."
Whether or not you agree with his vision, or his assessment of the current state of the nation, he has set high standards for his upcoming administration.
From improving schools and healthcare, to improving international relations, and even restoring national confidence, the Obama administration definitely has its work cut out for it. Even beyond the U.S. borders, millions overseas are just as optimistic about Obama's leadership, and the changes within the U.S.
We'll find out shortly whether he's up to the challenge, but he definitely has a huge crowd of supporters who are eager to see him succeed.