In front of the United States Capitol building the crowd erupts in cheers as Barack Obama uttered the words "so help me God" at the conclusion of the Presidential Oath of Office. A military band immediately launched into "Hail to the Chief" and Army howitzers began an earth shaking ceremonial 21-gun salute. Tears streaked the faces of many in the delighted crowd which stretched well over a mile, from the Capitol steps to beyond the Washington Monument. Despite bitter cold temperatures a crowd estimated at 1.8 million people packed the National Mall to attend the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. It was the largest number of people to have ever attended an event in Washington, DC. This inauguration of the first black American president and our peaceful transfer of power, known in the United States since its founding in 1776, was televised live to countless others worldwide.