This is America happening.

It was prophesized by King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that TIME.- dedicated to those of us who were not able to make it to Washington, DC January 20th, 2009

A Special Thanks to all of our Guest Speaker...

Samuel L. Hart: Guest Speaker,

City of North Charleston Mayor Pro Temp, retired school principal and one of the first black councilmen on North Charleston City Council,

Phil Noble: Guest Speaker,

President of the reform group, The South Carolina New Democrats. Early supporter of Barack Obama and served on his South Carolina Statewide Steering Committee.

David Redding; Guest Speaker,

Obama Fellow, Florida

Retiried Motorola Project manager. Volunteer environmental projects and global warming awarness. Solar systems installation team Myan villages, South America .

Jovene L. Milligan, Hostess of Ceremonies:

Black Pages USA Sales manager and Coordinator of The Black Expo, Executive Board Member YWCA, African American Advisory Board WCBD TV2, Active Lowcountry Volunteer with the Obama Presidential Campaign.

Responses from "The Charleston Inauguration Celebration"

1-30-09
Ragina,Thanks for inviting us to the party. We had a great time.
Pat & David

1-26-09
from one of your sponsors:
"You and your family worked hard and should be appreciated. Maybe you may get an invitation to the Whitehouse. Oh! and CRAVES is such a fitting name for a restaurant down town (hint).

1-21-09
Thank you for such an AWESOME event!!!!!!!
Robin N.

1-21-09
Hi Scott Family,
I didn't get a chance to say good bye. Thank you for hosting such a wonderful Inaugural Celebration for those of us in Charleston. I still can't believe you and your family did all that in 2 weeks. You pulled together so much in so little time, surely you and your family are annointed for a restaurant and catering business.
Best Wishes,
Cathy

1-21-09
Hi my name is Lori and me and my boyfriend attended the inauguration celebration and we enjoyed ourselves. I just want to say thank you

1-21-09
­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Hey,
Wow, last night was packed. Congratulations on the number of people that came through the door last night. What a success!! I hope I was able to help you out a bit with the registration. I really enjoyed seeing everyone! It was also nice to finally meet you.

1-21-09
Hello there,
I wanted to thank you for allowing us to come by.

Sincerely,
Kristen

1-21-09
My sister, Gail, and I had a wonderful time. I wanted to send youcopies of the few pictures that I took. We couldn't stay for the entiretime but it was wonderful!! You and your family did a fabulous job. Ihope to see you again soon.Take care,
W

ONLINE: 313 RSVP Guest Comments "Yes We Can...

User from 29404 Yes 4
Comment: I plan to bring my children ages 8 and 15 and a friend. I am a veteran of the US Air Force stationed here at Charleston AFB and a member of the dynamic sorority of Delta Sigma Theta.
Comment: I am so excited can't wait. God Bless Sheila Grant Yes 3
Comment: 6 adults and 2 kids Yes 8
Comment: Simmons /family also can be reached at
Comment: Guest: Gail Janice Josephine
Comment: Cathy told me about this great event. I was a pool runner Goose Creek.
User from 29410 Yes 4
Comment: Ragina, Lowes in Summerville, location, Veronica
Comment: Please RSVP Ittriss and Loquita for the event
Comment: Hi Regina, I am your new friend from Illinois and I am looking forward to meeting you and Cathy from Ladson.
Comment: LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS HISTORY MAKING EVENT! GOD BLESS YOU GUYS FOR ORGANIZING THIS EVENT! THANK YOU!
lorraine. Yes 10
Comment: This is a great idea you came up with
Comment: would love to be a part of this historical event. will be bringing a friend. sheryl. this will be a proud day in history!!!
Comment: I think this is so great. A historic event and being a part of this celebration is awesome
Comment: former Councilmember for the City of Hanahan for eight years and most recently, former Mayor Pro-Tem for two years. former Contracting Officer with the Deparatment of Navy.
Comment: I am proud to be a part of this great moment in time and local celebration. I would like to recognize community services to IFCCS/Speicalized Foster Home Services. God Bless Barack Obama, his family and the entire world.
Comment: Thank you organizers for doing this in our community!!!!! I am attending the Inauguration Ceremony but wanted an event my eleven year old daughter and husband could go and fellowship with others celebrating this memorable event!!! Thanks again and God
Comment: Hey Ms. Saunders, This is "_" I spoke to you today when you were at hopefully you enjoyed your meal. I will attend the inauguration party if all goes well. (+_+)
Comment: I can wait to take a part in such an historic event. It feels so good to be in the number of one of numberous celebrations throughout the lowcountry,well really the U.S. This is the dream so many of people {just not blacks}, but all. Its time. So yes we
Comment: My husband and I will attend along with our 3 children (6,6, and 10 months). WE ARE SOOOO EXCITED ABOUT THIE EVENT WE CAN'T WAIT!!
Diane . Yes 2
Comment: Diane/ Willie .
User from 29418 Yes 8
Comment: I'm excited about this event.
Comment: North/Naval Health Clinic Charleston. 3 attendees total. Thank You.
User from 29456 Yes 1
Comment: I would like to make some remarks about Mr. Obama.
Comment: Wanda.
Comment: Ethel
Unregister. Yes 1
Comment: Gina Thanks so much for doing this and I look forward to being there.
Comment:
Comment: Edisto SC her kids her sister and her kids.
User from 29456 Yes 2
Comment: HOPE WE HAVE ENOUGH FOOD FOR ME.
Comment:
User from 29405 Yes 1
Comment: Gina, I will be atending with from The Noisette Foundaion.
Comment: David and from Summerville SC needs info mailed... NOW adding lenard 3guest NOW adding Rose 3guest--goes to house of God N.Chas..NOW adding Yoan
Comment: My husband and I will be there. We are looking forward to this event.
Jan19th - H. Yes 8
Comment: IS THERE ANY FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS EVENT?
Comment: Thank you for the invite.
Comment: let me know if others from James Island will attend, I would like to carpool. THANK YOU, Maria
Paulette . Yes 2
Comment: I would like to attend with my husband. Thanks!

The Lowcountry Inauguration Celebration

...just to be a part of a truly historic occasion was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Everything but Barack Obama himself was there. However, guest did enjoy a photo opportunity with the standee, Barack Obama life-size cardboard.

The event was opened and lead by a Prayer by The Scott family.
ROTC color guard of West Ashley High School Presented the American Flag.

The evening was filled with diverse all cultural and age groups. From the retired adults, college students, to families and church leaders; alike.

Phil Noble added an even greater depth to the essence of the historical journey of Barack Obama's campaign to the day of the Inaugurations Swearing-in.

Pro Temp Samuel L. Hart, shared How the Historic Inauguration gave our city's MLK celebration a greater meaning.

Obama Fellow, David Redding, shared; How we all can make a difference; each and everyone of us if we try.

The connection“It was how it was supposed to be” said Vina Scott, one of the original family members who organized the event.

The Scott’s partnered with a great team of local vendors for the event. New Beginnings Bridal Showcased formal ware, by Shelia Stewart; Mr. Tony (The Peanutman) from downtown Charleston’s’ Market gave free roasted and Cajun peanut samples; What CHA Like Gospel, North Charleston; gave CD’s and door prizes. The Catering was handled by The Scott family; who cooked and served hundreds of Celebrating guest. The menu was designed to be an authentic African American array of Soul foods. and included traditional flavored rice choices, vegetables, chicken, and beef. The bar was filled with non-alcoholic beverages compliments of Pepsi Cola.

The atmosphere was festive. Guest were serenaded by local artist; Mr. Walter Dalton who shared a special song titled “Freedom Land” he wrote honoring the Inauguration (Lyrics below). Soloist Darcus Sanderlin sang like Patty Labelle herself song titled “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. We almost cried, the voice amplified the room so beautifully. The décor was filled with stunning columns, pillars and arches of balloons in red, white, and blue. On the stage was a large wall of balloons shaped into an American flag that lit up and sparkled like stars shining through. The overall lighting illuminated with wonderful ball room spotlights by Balloon Architectures.

Out-of-towners came from as far as Florida and as near as Orangeburg.

Locals came from all over the Lowcountry. Some Obama Campaign volunteers celebrated and cheered; Goose Creek, The Womack’s, North Charleston, Randolph Cippio, and remarks were from past President of the NAACP Mr. Earl Fleming.

People came dressed in their Obama and MLK T-Shirts and some came dressed for celebration wearing there Sunday’s best. It was indeed a comfortable, “come as you are” celebration for this historic event.


To see unprejudiced love, unmerited forgiveness, a desire to help and serve others. I believe, God smiled on us all last night and He didn’t allow CRAVES to entertain just any guest but a ballroom full of angels.

There were two homeless gentlemen sitting in the cold outside near the building. They were properly invited to join in the open celebration and to have a meal or two and coffee to warm them. Because of today, this generation will know the importance of the United States election of Obama and how it’s a great thing for the whole world. It reflects how people are more focus on being an American now.

It’s a great and historical time that we're a part of and we don't want to forget it.


A Special Thanks...

• For their immediate response contributor copy service.
• Program Layout and Design by our very own Charleston native, Sharina Scott-Hill
• Web designer, Sharina's husband , Mr.Calvin Hill.

Their professional response to everything was greatly appreciated and added a special touch to the city-wide celebration.

A Special Thanks to all who participated to make this evening even more meaningful...

You and I, "We"...

We've invested in the future of this country -- whether we voted, donated money, helped bring together our local community, or got involved in countless other ways. But right now, our participation is more important than ever. We've been asked to give whatever time or talent we can to support the continuation of "A CRAVE for A Change" in our communities. Transforming our communities into one of equity, opportunity and sustainability, we must come together...
...communities coming together to share and develop, to begin working with all groups, race, language, culture and generations.With your help, we can help make community change a reality. Get involved stay connected with The CRAVES Foundation for America. Email Address: mailto:aCRAVEforaChange@yahoo.com or for a community catering service contact us at: http://www.cravessoulfood.com/.

January 20th Charleston SC 2009

"We are one people,
We are one nation,
and together,
we will begin the next great chapter in
America' story."- President Barack Obama

This is that TIME.

This is America happening.
It was prophesized by King that we would have a day when everyone would come together. This is that TIME.

In the words of our President, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time.

We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

...it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential”

Planning this event, with only two weeks until the inauguration, made us realize our” true potential,” which is cooking for the soul.

... desire to embrace this historic occasion and make it meaningful for all of us who could not travel to Washington”

Charleston South Carolina 2009

LOWCOUNTRY INAUGURATION CELEBRATION!!!

HOPE OVER FEAR

U.S. President Barack Obama, in his inaugural speech...

"On this day, we gather because we have

chosen hope over fear...

A CRAVE for a Change....

Our mother and father (Edwin and Ruth Scott, Sr.) taught us how to cook and always share with others. So, this occasion is more than just a family affair to us, We attributes the outpouring of support from businesses and individuals for this event to “a genuine, grassroots desire to embrace this historic occasion and make it meaningful for all of us who could not travel to Washington”

President Obama once said, “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a curtain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential” Planning this event, with only two weeks until the inauguration, made us realize our” true potential,” which is cooking for the soul. This is the gift that God has blessed us with President Obama’s call for change inspired us to tap into our gift and share it with others. In the words of our President, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” CRAVES Soul Food http://www.cravesoulfood.com/

“seeing a need and taking action“

Hopefully this day will be remembered not only as the day when we came together in common purpose, but also as the day when we resolved to make helping one another more than a once-a-year commitment.

January 20th, 2009 will be the day when we, as Americans, commit to making service part of our daily lives.

January 20,2009. History Made.

Placing his hand on the Bible once used by Lincoln Barack Obama took the Oath of Office at 12:05 p.m. on the steps of the U.S. Capitol,

Renew America Together...

Helping our communities and fellow citizens. A new spirit of service, we're makina an enduring commitment to our neighborhoods. Join us for upcoming opportunties and information on how we can work together to strengthen our communities.

A CRAVE for a Change...

The Lowcountry Celebration...

"The Inauguration of the 44th President of the USA, Barack Obama!!!"
It Was A Moment To Remember. VIRTUAL BROADCAST of WASHINGTON, DC Inaugural Ceremony.LIVE ENTERTAINMENT,Buffet Foods and Dancing.
5pm -8pm
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDED: Samuel L. Hart, Mayor Pro Tem City of North Charleston Wendell Gilliard, State Representative (was in session)Phil Noble, member of the South Carolina Statewide Steering Committee for the Obama Campaign.

Remarks By: Earl Fleming,previous NAACP president.
This was an event of historic proportions. A part of History.

"FREE" Admission! With DONATIONS ACCEPTED!!! "FREE" FOOD! GREAT Prizes! and Give Aways! "White House Sculptured Cake" & Tasting... Moments To Remember…… Digital and Videos Cameras. Dancing and Happy Hearts!

An ALL Volunteer Effort to Salute An Historic Event.
Donations were made to THE LOWCOUNTRY FOOD BANK.The Party With a Purpose.

We want your Lowcountry Celebration pictures...

Send us your pic's and comments .... saundersragina@yahoo.com

An Illustration of a Prayer for President Barack Obama and Our National Leaders

Almighty God, maker of heaven and earth, we come to this time and place acknowledging your sovereignty over the affairs of men.

In your appointed time, Barack Obama has been elected and inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States. We come to praise You and thank You, as our most gracious and merciful Father, that we are a free people who have experienced a peaceful transfer of power.

We come asking You, the One Who protects us from harm and danger, to keep President Obama and his family safe and strong in all circumstances.

Because You possess all knowledge and all wisdom, we ask you to guard the heart and direct the ways of President Obama and all those in authority over us.

We pray that he will seek your face and be a channel of your wisdom. In the quiet places of his heart may he know the peace that only You can give. We pray that his influence as a world leader will not be diverted by the temptations that accompany power and position.

As people who call upon your Name, we pray that we will be faithful to pray for President Obama and his administration; and that as President and people we humbly seek the victories that can come only as we are led not by might, nor by power, but by your spirit.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen-1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as delivered.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition. Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents. So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans. That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights. Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met. On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. continued below...

What is required of us now ...

- a recognition, on the part of

every American,

that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world,

duties that we do not grudgingly accept

but rather seize

gladly

Obama said. "This is the price and the promise of citizenship."

Continue to make a difference...

I Shoveled snow and cleared icy walkways I saw elderly people having trouble navigating.
Janet
I worked on Boys and Girls Club newsletter as a volunteer graphic designer. -
Doris
I picked up trash in my community.-
I volunteered at the Woodford Humane Society with my son and his girlfriend. -

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:
Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve.
You don’t have to have a college degree to serve.
You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve.
You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.

Inaugurated President Obama delivered his Inaugural Address on the steps of the U.S. Capitol,

enjoining all Americans to

“choose our better history;

to carry forward that precious gift,

that noble idea,

passed on from generation to generation:

the God-given promise

that all are equal,

all are free,

and all deserve a chance to pursue

their full measure of happiness.“

"a crave for change"

Moving forward... to inspire continued growth and commitment to a better tomorrow

Born and Based
in Charleston, South Carolina; Lowcountry

The Corporation's goal is to continue to bring communities, businesses, organizations and charities together and to raise funds to help support the many charitable programs that are important to its members, friends, co-workers, suppliers and guests. This includes longstanding programs like The Lowcountry Food Bank, Godparents Youth Organization and other charitable organizations around the world. The "A Crave for Change", CRAVES Foundation is an opportunity for the CRAVES Soulfood, employees to give back to local, national and international communities by making financial contributions to benefit the "A Crave for Change", CRAVES Foundation.
If you would like to learn more about the Giving Campaign and how you can participate, please contact the Foundation staff at 1-843-926-7351."A Crave for Change", the CRAVES Foundation is currently a U.S. based for-profit organization. All donations to the Foundation are currently not tax deductible.

Here are ways in which you can donate to the "A Crave for Change" CRAVES Foundation:
Online DonationTo make an online donation, please click here.

Check / Mailing AddressTo make a donation via check, please make your check payable to "A Crave for Change" CRAVES Foundation, Inc., and mail your check to:"A Crave for Change" CRAVES FoundationC/O CRAVES Soulfood 14051 P.O. BOX, Charleston SC

In-KindYou may choose to make an in-kind contribution to the Foundation. This would include such things as auction items, gift certificates, and other new un-used goods. If you are interested in making an in-kind donation please contact the Foundation at 1-843-926-7351.

"A Crave for Change" Foundation, which was established in January 2009, is the charitable arm of the CRAVES Soulfood, Community Catering Servce and is currently a for-profit charitable organization.

The Foundation, together with CRAVES Soulfood, members, friends, co-workers, suppliers and guests, is able to make a positive impact in the communities in which we work and live.

Text of President Barack Obama's inaugural address on Tuesday, as delivered.

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:
I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.
Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.
So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.
That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.
These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.
For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.
For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.
Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.
This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.
For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. All this we will do.
Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.
What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply.

The question we ask today is not whether our government is

too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. Those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.
Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.
As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers ... our found fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all the other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.
Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.
We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.
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.
To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.
As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.
For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.
Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.
This is the price and the promise of citizenship.
This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.
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 sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.
So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:
"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."
America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.
Thank you. God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.

Together...

From President Barack Obama

"We are one people,

We are one nation,

and together,

we will begin the next great chapter in

America' story."

Barack Obama's journey to the presidency.. Collectors CD

The Lyrics of "Freedom Land" Orginal Song dedicated/and performed at

The 01/20/09 city-wide Charleston SC Celebration!!!

Barack Obama, First African American, Elected President of the USA...

"Freedom Land" Commemorative Song on CD~ click

The Lyrics:
FreedomLand

Now I have made it through the darkest times
and now I'm standing tall in the light
and I have climbed the highest mountain peaks above
Starring in the windows of the world
"To Find"

Chorus

A place where change has come
and victory for everyone
when doors have opened up for love
and there is shelter from the storm
Let freedom ring, Let freedom, ring, Let freedom ring
for Freedom Land

There is a place if you believe that we can go
The strength of hearts and minds have labored there before
Where visions of the glory came from a King
The courage of a man wh dared to have a dream
"To Find"

Chorus

A place where change has come
and victory for everyone
when doors have opened up for love
and there is shelter from the storm
Let freedom ring, Let freedom, ring, Let freedom ring
for Freedom Land

Vamp

From the base of every mountain top
Sea to shining sea
For the ones who kept the dream alive
It's reality
From the Home of the Brave
And the Home of the Free
There is Liberty

Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved.


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