While the masses of Americans endured the freezing temperatures of DC to bear witness to history in the making, a bunch of Orlando bloggers and I camped out at the Izea offices to share in the experience of welcoming President Obama into office.

Quaker Oats sponsored my Inaugural Viewing event as part of their “Start with Substance” campaign and it was a great way kick off the day.

A huge spread of Quaker Oatmeal with all the toppings, eggs, bacon, fruit, coffee and juices were served up. We feasted until our bellies were full – and then some – as we waited for the man-of-the-hour to take center stage.

Whatever side of the political fence you sit on, there is no mistaking the fact that today was a day of great moments.

I was particularly inspired by this passage in President Obama’s address:

“For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. 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; 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 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.”

The use of the words “non-believers” reminded me that Obama’s vision for America is all-inclusive.

While I may not have agreed with all of his points, I don’t have to. That’s one of the best parts about being a citizen of this great country

Yes, today I am extra-proud to be an American. Not in the flag-waving, Lee Greenwood, hyperbole kind of way… More of a personal-responsibility, stand together and do something that makes America rock once again, kind of way.

Special thanks to Ted Murphy for opening up the Izea offices for the event.

Here are two sets of photos to enjoy…

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Tagged as: "inaugural viewing", missy ward, quaker, Start With Substance, ted murphy

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