Barack Obama is preparing to become the United States' first black president, bringing a message of hope to a nation battered by recession, weary of war and hungry for change.Millions of spectators from across America and around the world have travelled to Washington to see history being made.
Only a few men in the annals of American history have ever got to utter the 35 transformative words which take an ordinary citizen to the highest post in the land.
Barack Obama will join their ranks today, swearing the oath which will turn him into the 44th President of the US.
As he does, his hand will rest on the bible used by the 16th President Abraham Lincoln, who ultimately gave his life in the battle to end slavery.
That link will add poignancy to what is always a moving occasion, according to historian Don Ritchie.
"It's a very important day. People really do get very emotional about it. Historians wax eloquent when they write about those moments," he said.
The inaugural events have begun
"They tend to look for a sign. If the sky opens up and a ray of sunshine comes through it is a good omen. If there is a blizzard they see trouble coming in the process."
Mr Obama's famous gift of oratory will be tested like never before today as he delivers a speech which will be viewed by milllions around the world.
He has scrutinised the words of his forebears - including the President who he is so often compared to - John F Kennedy.
The words "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country", which Kennedy uttered in 1961, are still seared into the minds of a generation here.
The speechwriter who helped craft Kennedy's address has high expectations for President Obama.
Ted Sorensen said that like JFK, Mr Obama should return to the themes he established during his campaign.