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North Shore cheers Obama, here and in Washington

By Matthew K. Roy
Staff writer
Published: January 21, 2009

The nation yesterday turned its eyes to Washington, D.C.

Under a shining January sun, on the steps of the Capitol building that slaves helped build, Barack Obama became the first African-American president in the country's history. The moment called more than a million people to the National Mall and the parade route nearby, including many from the North Shore.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll sat in the audience with her 11-year-old daughter. Susan Munroe of Danvers wrapped herself in the American flag and found a spot by the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial. Arthur Powell of Beverly could feel the emotion in Aretha Franklin's voice from where he stood.

"My country 'tis of thee," sang the daughter of a Baptist preacher, "sweet land of liberty."

The notes carried north to Salem, where hundreds of people filled three theaters in a downtown cinema to watch the inauguration. At Analogic in Peabody, employees paused in their work day to watch over the Internet.

Senior citizens at Brooksby Village in Peabody wiped away tears while taking in a moment they never believed would arrive in their lifetime. At Salem High School, students and teachers went to the auditorium to watch history unfold.

Everyone listened as Obama, the 44th president of the United States, ushered in "a new era of responsibility" and challenged us to be brave in the face of difficult circumstances.

"Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end," Obama said, "that we did not turn back nor did we falter."