Dear Members and Friends,
I was amongst the close to 2 million plus Americans of all races and creeds enduring the crisp freezing weather, the crowd of massive proportion, the extensive security and hours of waiting on our nation’s National Mall to witness the inauguration of our country’s 44th President Barack Obama. Anticipation, exhilaration, excitement and joy permeated out of possibly the largest public gathering on United States’ soil. It was magnificent to the eye, the ear and the soul that so many came to see, to listen and be a part of our nation’s peaceful transfer of power to a democratically elected man that has captured the majority of this nation’s vote. President Obama’s first speech from the outdoor pulpit in the center of our U.S. Capitol, which spanned an unending view of American faces amongst the nation’s greatest monuments, was empowering and inspirational. His diction, grace, smoothness and belief in what and how he spoke to the 2 million of us, came across with clarity, realness and humility that he may indeed fulfill the great expectations that this nation and its citizens have put on him.
“As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment, a moment that will define a generation, it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.”
“What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility-a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character than giving our all to a difficult task. This is the price and the promise of Citizenship.”
President Barack Obama’s inaugural words of confidence and leadership for the American public on our common defense which he solemnly swore to execute, also has expectations and beliefs that he will lead our nation and the world in these troubled times.
“To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict or blame their society’s ills on the West, know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy.”
“We will not apologize for our way of life; nor will we waver in its defense. And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken. You cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.”
“And so, to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: Know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and we are ready to lead once more.”
We believe that President Barack Obama will accomplish the expectations before him and that the nation has placed upon him. We at MDAA endeavor to help and support him as the Commander-in-chief of our nation and the leader of the United States of America, the most powerful democracy in the world.
“For we know our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus and nonbelievers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth. And because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of the tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.” – President Barack Obama. (2008, January 20). Inaugural Address. Presented at the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.
President Obama gives our nation and the world – Hope.
