The Stuff of Dreams: Barack Obama Becomes The 44th President Of The United States Of America

January 20, 2009 by Masterclass Lady 21 Comments


barackoath1On this day in history, Barack Obama became the first black American to be sworn in to the most powerful political position in the world – the office of the President Of The United States Of America.

The ceremony took place at precisely 12:05 P.M. ET and it was a long time coming.

Fullfilling the dreams vocalized by the late Dr. Martin Luther King in his “I Have A Dream” speech 45 years ago, Baracka Obama has stated:

Today, we celebrate the life of a preacher who, more than forty-five years ago, stood on our national mall in the shadow of Lincoln and shared his dream for our nation. His was a vision that all Americans might share the freedom to make of our lives what we will; that our children might climb higher than we would.

Dr. Martin Luther King’s was a life lived in loving service to others. As we honor that legacy, it’s not a day just to pause and reflect – it’s a day to act. Today, ordinary citizens will gather together all across the country to participate in the more than eleven thousand service projects they’ve created using USAservice.org. And I ask the American people to turn today’s efforts into an ongoing commitment to enriching the lives of others in their communities, their cities, and their country.

Tomorrow, we will come together as one people on the same mall where Dr. King’s dream echoes still. As we do, we recognize that here in America, our destinies are inextricably linked. We resolve that as we walk, we must walk together. And as we go forward in the work of renewing the promise of this nation, let’s remember King’s lesson – that our separate dreams are really one.

Throughout the day, I was extremely moved by the entire proceedings leading up to the Inauguration of President Barack Obama. Watching the faces of the 2 million plus people assembled on the National Mall and hearing the beautiful music performed by singers and musicians, everyone was spiritually and physically transported to this moment in history that will remain indelible in the minds and hearts of all.

And President Obama has organized a truly interactive website, encouraging the people to stay fully involved in government policies and issues in the years ahead. BarackObama.Com should be bookmarked on everyone’s blog – this President is going to make a postive difference in the world and we should be supporting and applauding his dedicated efforts every step of the way.

What a day to remember and to pass on to future generations!

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
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21 Responses to “The Stuff of Dreams: Barack Obama Becomes The 44th President Of The United States Of America”

  1. Rereader January 20, 2009 at 5:39 pm

    I, too, was enormously moved by the proceedings today–and by President Obama’s wonderful speech.

    It also struck me that of that amazing quartet of Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Gabriela Montero, and Anthony McGill, only McGill was born in the United States…how perfect and how perfectly appropriate for a president who is reaching out to the world!

    Like

  2. Kariann1 January 20, 2009 at 10:20 pm

    Words cannot describe the hope I feel at this moment. There is much to do, and I pray the American people will back President Obama in the coming years. Change won’t happen overnight. It will take time.

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  3. Bizzee24 January 20, 2009 at 11:36 pm

    I was not able to watch the full inauguration. However, I was fortunate to be able to catch the speech and was deeply moved. He is going to make such a fantastic president – I agree, Kariann. I, too, hope that America stands behind the him and realize that change cannot take place overnight!

    One thing I noticed, and was very intrigued was during his speech, he did not seem to be reading from anything – notes, telepromt, etc…, he looked to have it memorized! Did anyone else notice this?

    Like

  4. Anita January 21, 2009 at 1:04 am

    Wow! I was SO excited for this day and it paid off in spades! Thank goodness there is a feeling of hope again in this battered country.

    Bizzee – he used those see-through teleprompters that look like clear sheet music stands. But, I’m sure he did have a lot memorized – speaking is truly a talent this man is blessed with!

    I LOVED seeing the Tuskeegee Airmen both in the stands and the parade; I love that Malia approved of her Dad’s speech (she told him he’d better do a good job! LOL!); I love the silly guys pushing lawn mowers in the parade, and the (at least) 2 Native American tribes represented.

    Of the quartet’s music … I was most captivated by Yo-Yo Ma. He looked SO pleased and tickled to be playing … the others looked so serious, to the point where I wasn’t sure they were glad to be there! I loved the music “Tis a Gift To Be Simple” and “Air”, although I’m not sure what “Air” is. And I was thrilled that John Williams put the 2 together! He’s an AMAZING composer/director! If you enjoy his film music, take a look at this tribute video; it’s great fun! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cs7jAzAQN_4

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  5. masterclasslady January 21, 2009 at 9:27 am

    I am still overwhelmed re yesterday’s extraordinary Inauguration events. I wasn’t able to watch all the hoopla and, unfortunately, missed many of the wonderful performances, including the string quartet. Darn!

    However, toward the end of the day, I did see President and Mrs. Obama attend the Youth Inauguration Ball and was so touched by their genuine, real and accommodating demanors. they so obviously love each other and have such a strong affection for all their adoring public.

    When President Obama waved goodbye and said: “Have a great night! Love you!”, he sounded like every regular Dad who loves his family – in this case, his extended family.

    I want to move to the USA! haha

    Like

  6. janey January 21, 2009 at 10:07 am

    MCL….YES! Please move to the USA. We’d love to have you!!!!!

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  7. Anita January 21, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    Here is the quartet video … relax, be inspired and enjoy!

    Like

  8. masterclasslady January 21, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    Well, Janey, – I am looking forward to the time when we can spend more time in Florida. I have family and friends there and we will be spending two weeks in February, just relaxing and visiting. My dream is to spend a couple of months a year in Florida. As for moving permanently, that probably won’t happen, but one never knows. Life can be full of surprises. 🙂

    Like

  9. Rereader January 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    Haha, Anita–you beat me to the quartet link!

    I’ve had this song running through my head all day…

    Like

  10. Bizzee24 January 21, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    So I read somewhere that the individual who swore in Obama made a mistake, which is why Obama paused when being sworn in – there was a mix up with the way the words were written and the way it was recited to Obama. So Obama asked to me “resworn in” and was. I’m going to see if I can’t find the article somehwere…

    Like

  11. Bizzee24 January 21, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    Found it…

    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28780417/

    Like

  12. masterclasslady January 22, 2009 at 9:17 am

    Thanks for the link, Bizzee. Another tidbit for the history books!

    Like

  13. Kariann1 January 22, 2009 at 9:17 am

    “Beyoncé serenaded President Obama and wife Michelle as they shared a few laughs and quiet conversation during the dance. By the time the song was over, B and the Obamas were all in tears. The song Beyoncé sang, of course, was Etta James’ “At Last.”
    “At Last” was first performed by Glenn Miller and his big band in 1942.”

    http://www.oracleband.net/Lyrics/at_last.htm

    About this song… it was performed at my parents wedding during WWII and was the first dance for my daughter’s wedding 5 years ago. I did not like the way Beyoncé ended the song, and her version was not as hot as Etta’s.

    What do you think?

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  14. marc January 22, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    Hey MCL, we Floridians would be honored to have you here anytime!

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  15. Bizzee24 January 23, 2009 at 9:41 pm

    Just wanted to share my latest creation with everyone…enjoy! 🙂

    Like

  16. masterclasslady January 24, 2009 at 9:36 am

    Bizzee — this video is absolutely glorious. I am going to feature it on this site – add a new topic for this video. In a bit of a rush right now, but will be back online this afternoon. And thank YOU for including The Canadian Tenors’ version of this song with the moving photo images of President Obama’s journey. This was a truly inspiring – Bizzee style. You are the best. xo

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  17. auntieaudie January 24, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Hi Everyone,

    Stopped in Allentown, Pennsylvania to visit with my nephew and his kids on my way back from Washington.
    I had an AMAZING time at the Inauguration and will write about it when I get home tomorrow night.

    F.Y.I. The quartet music was recorded and not played live, it was too cold for their instruments. Bye for now, can’t wait to share my journey with you.

    Like

  18. ArchieFanDoc January 25, 2009 at 5:03 am

    What a great week it has been — I am thrilled by the new leaf my country is turning — and I ditto Janey’s statement MCL!

    Like

  19. Kariann1 January 25, 2009 at 7:43 am

    I can’t wait to hear what you have to say auntieaudie! Wish it had been warmer for you! What a wonderful experience it must have been!

    Like

  20. louise April 13, 2009 at 12:55 pm

    Dear MCL,

    I just found this on your website and an SO very happy to read that you seem to appreciate President Obama as much as I do!!!

    Like

  21. Ronald Couch April 29, 2010 at 5:02 pm

    Everybody needs to give Barack Obama time to clean up the mess that George W. Bush got us in. For instant George W. Bush has alot of stock in oil that`s why gas went up as high as it did. Barack Obama did not put us in the mess that we are in now. Why did George W. Bush go after the wrong man to begin with? You can`t get everything cleared up in the first year or overnight. Give Barack Obama chance thank you very much

    Like