Barack Obama Sworn in as 44th President of the United States

We can now finally drop the "Elect" and call him "President Obama" now. Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States this morning, officially becoming the nation's first African-American President. During Obama's speech he stressed that the U.S. will achieve the goals he sets in the hopes of "remaking America."

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama said. "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."

A crowd of approximately two million people turned out for the inauguration despite the below freezing temperatures. Billions more around the world saw the procession on television and streaming online.

Worldwide, Obama echoed the global sentiment that the United States will be more receptive to change that many feel is long overdue.

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is strength, not a weakness," Obama said. "We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth."

The inauguration, taking place the day after observing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, was a symbol of hope to a country mired in economic troubles and overseas conflict. Obama said that collectively, the United States can face their problems and make things right again for the world as a whole

"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," he said.

The procession also showed the swearing in of new Vice President Joe Biden in addition to a performance by Aretha Franklin, who sung, "Let Freedom Ring." Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the hero of the US Airways plane that landed in New York's Hudson River a week ago, was the guest of honor.

Change is finally coming. All we can do now is sit back and watch change take place. Go Obama!