Powerful emotions swept trio from Alabama as Obama took office
and The Birmingham News By and The Birmingham News The
Birmingham News on January 21, 2009 at 10:51 AM, updated January
23, 2009 at 4:06 PM Tens of thousands gather around the
Washington Monument to wait for the swearing-in ceremony to
begin.  Voices from Washington:  From Staci Brown Brooks of
Fultondale, a Birmingham News editor  "I was overwhelmed,
overcome and overjoyed to be a very, very small part of this day
in our country's history. As long as America exists, the
election and inauguration of President Obama will be noted. And
I can say I was there. It was particularly moving to see the
president sworn in with civil rights legends Dorothy Height,
John Lewis, Joseph Lowery and others looking on.  There also
were several older African-American men and women in the crowd
on walkers and in wheelchairs. They have experienced
mistreatment and disrespect in ways that I've only heard stories
about. Their sacrifices and resolve to have full inclusio