To sound of artillery fire: Obama sworn in as president again

1461 days after he made history as the first black president of the United States, Barack Obama came tonight (Monday) to an inauguration with the opening of his second term on Capitol Hill in Washington. Obama begins his second term as he enjoys an unprecedented support percentage - 52%, for a president who has already fulfilled the role for four years.

Hundreds of thousands filled the streets of Washington. Obama took the stage to the sound of trumpets and the cheering crowd, raised his right hand, placed his left hand on the books of the Bible he chose and was sworn in by the Chief Justice. Afterwards, artillery fired a barrage of honor.

"Together we have learned a great nation has to know to take care of the weak," said the 44th president of the United States at the start of his words. "We have to make difficult decisions to lower the price of health services and the size of the deficit, but we reject the belief that America has to choose between taking care of the generation that built this country and the investment in the future generation."

"This generation of Americans stood the test of crises which demonstrated our resolve and strong standing. A decade of war is over now. The economy began to recover. The possibilities of America are limitless, because we have all the qualities required in a world without limits: youth and vigor, diversity and openness, a willingness to take risks and a gift of inventiveness. My fellow Americans, we were meant for this moment and we will get to it - as long as we do this together," Obama said.

"We understand that our country can not succeed when a shrinking minority is very successful and a growing majority can barely succeed. We believe that the prosperity of America must rely on the broad shoulders of a stronger middle class. We know that America thrives when each one can be independent and proud of his work, when wages release family of difficulties. We are loyal to the principle of our faith when a small child born into harsh poverty knows she has the same chances of success as anyone else – because she is American, she is free, and she is equal. Not only in G-d's eyes, but also in ours. "

The inaugural ceremony was attended by politicians and celebrities. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, were received with applause. Clinton, who is recovering from a blood clot in her brain, wore thick glasses, smiled and waved at the crowd.
Before her, the American Supreme Court justices took their places, dressed in their black capes. Among others were also former presidents George Bush and Jimmy Carter.

Obama was sworn in practice yesterday, to ensure that the United States would not be "without president", not even for one moment. At 11:55 Washington time, five minutes before his first term officially ended, Obama promised to faithfully fulfill the role of President and protect the Constitution.

The inaugural, performed by Chief Justice John Roberts, was held at the White House in the presence of family members and associates only, and lasted less than a minute. According to the custom in the United States, the president's inauguration day is January 20, but in years when the date falls on a Sunday, the festive event is postponed to Monday.

Minutes before the inauguration of Barack Obama, Joe Biden was sworn in as Vice President.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!