Witnessing history: The inauguration of President Barack Obama

Before he headed off to Washington, D.C. Monday morning, Dr. Charles Burton said he was uncertain how much of the Presidential Inauguration he would be able to witness. Some estimates have placed the number of people wanting to be a part of the historical event of upwards to two million. Burton said his hopes were to at least catch a glimpse of the parade as Barack Obama marched his way into being America’s first black president.

“I don’t know if we will get close enough,” said Burton, “but just to be in the city for that moment is reason enough to go.”

While most Americans resolved to watch the event unfold on television, Burton climbed onto a bus Monday morning and set out with a group from Harrods Creek Baptist Church for the 10-hour drive to the nation’s Capitol. The pastor of Taylorsville’s Second Baptist Church said it was important for him to be a part of the momentous occasion and be among the throngs of people.

“The night after the (presidential) election, I cried,” said Burton. “I didn’t think I’d see this in my lifetime, or even in my son’s lifetime.”

For more on this story, see this week's Spencer Magnet.