Locals react to inauguration

Locals react to inauguration

A handful of Valley residents were on hand to watch President Barack Obama take the oath of office during Tuesday’s historical inauguration. Others took time during the day to watch the televised event. Many took time to talk to The Vindicator to describe their experiences.

Personally, I think it’s a great milestone in the civil rights movement. It’s a great step for our future. I get to see my generation take the steps toward equality. I’m really proud to say I was able to vote for Barack Obama as our first black president.”

LAURA DANKOVICH, 18, Canfield

At the inauguration

It was the most wonderful thing ever; I never thought I’d see this in my lifetime. I’m so proud of Barack Obama and the people of the United States for following his vision. Without a vision, everything fails. I believe God gave Barack a vision, and without a vision, there is no future.”

DELORES PICKARD, 61, Youngstown

At the inauguration

You could hear a pin drop when he was speaking. It’s absolutely surreal. The shear volume of people on the mall and how peaceful and attentive they were. You can feel the energy on the streets. It’s a day of celebration, but it’s also his first day on the job.”

CAPRI CAFARO, D-32nd

Ohio Senate Minority Leader, of Liberty At the inauguration

Barack Obama presented a challenge for all Americans to participate in solving our current problems. No Americans can sit on the sidelines.”

U.S. Rep. TIM RYAN, of Niles, D-17th

At the inauguration

I had tears in my eyes. I was moved by his speech. I was inspired by it. The crowd was massive and friendly. You felt a genuine feeling of hope.”

State Rep. ROBERT F. HAGAN, D-60th

of Youngstown At the inauguration

To actually see him raise his hand and take the oath ... to me it was breathtaking in that respect. We felt that we were a part of it. It almost felt like it was a one-on-one thing.”

Youngstown Police Chief JIMMY HUGHES

At the inauguration

“I was struck by how open he was about the future and challenges.”

BARBARA DELISIO, Poland

At the inauguration

It was a stirring event that to me revealed, reminded and reaffirmed the magnificence of this country. The resilience of this country should never be questioned.”

Youngstown Mayor JAY WILLIAMS

At the inauguration

On this historic day, President Obama gave a good speech that delivered a welcomed message. I look forward to working with President Obama as we strive to put our economy back on track and create millions of good-paying jobs for hard-working Americans.”

U.S. Rep. JASON ALTMIRE of McCandless, Pa., D-4th

It was an unbelievable time. I think it will take time and I’ll look back and know I was among the millions there.”

JOE ST. GEORGE, 20, Boardman

At the inauguration

I was struck by how open he was about the future and challenges.”

BARBARA DELISIO, Poland

At the inauguration

I’ve never seen this many people before in my life. It was really awesome when they announced Barack Obama. The crowd went crazy.”

KARLY GIBBS, 18, Lordstown

At the inauguration

I don’t know how to describe it. We were all trying to just absorb everything, really. It’s something you have to experience in a lifetime, if you get the chance.”

BRITTANY HOUSEL, 18, Lordstown

At the inauguration

Barack is president, but it will take all of us to make this country a better place.”

CHERYL KELLY, Youngstown

Watched on TV

When they told us in speech class ‘there is power in words,’ we didn’t believe it. We believe it now,”

BOB DEAN

Warren City Council-member-at-large

Watched on TV

Whether you voted for Barack or not, everyone needs to support not only him, but the local elected officials. I think at the end he made it more personal especially when ... he called out the whole planet. This is something we’ve never seen before. It’s awesome.”

TARONE CLAYBROOK,

Pastor of Heart Reach in Youngstown

Watched on TV