The Hawaiian-born son of a Kenyan father and American mother had risen through state and federal politics to win the presidency and take the White House back for the Democrats. In doing so, Obama had also put his name in the history books as the first black American elected president.

His inauguration took place in front of a crowd of more than 1 million people who gathered in Washington to witness the historic occasion on Jan. 20, 2009. Obama, then 47, was sworn in with his wife, Michelle, at his side. And after taking the oath of office, he spoke about what his own story meant for the country he was about to lead.

"This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath," Obama said in his inaugural address.

The Obama inauguration was also watched around the world — and not just by Americans away from home. In Britain, France and Germany, news cameras captured images of crowds cheering as they watched the inauguration proceedings.

Many watching his inauguration from afar seemed to see hope in the change of leadership in Washington, following eight years of the tumultuous presidency of George W. Bush.

According to cbc.ca