Landrieu Comments on the Inauguration of Barack Obama

Press Release

Landrieu Comments on the Inauguration of Barack Obama

United States Senator Mary Landrieu, D-La., today commented on the historic inauguration of Barack Obama, who was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. She was joined at the ceremony by Louisiana civil rights pioneers, Ruby Bridges and Johnnie Jones. In 1960, Ruby Bridges was one of the first four African-American children to attend an all-white school in Louisiana, and Johnnie Jones is a 91-year-old attorney who is largely responsible for the desegregation of the Baton Rouge courthouse.

Sen. Landrieu said: "On this monumental day, I think about 6-year-old Ruby Bridges walking through the front door of William Frantz Elementary School in 1960, flanked by armed U.S. Marshals guarding against an angry mob. The contrast between Ruby Bridges walking into school that day and Malia and Sasha Obama being cheered through the front door of the White House almost 50 years later encapsulates the extraordinary progress our country has achieved in that time.

"It is a new day for America and the world. This day marks not only the achievement of President Barack Obama and his family, but the achievements of the thousands of civil rights trailblazers, like Ruby Bridges and Johnnie Jones.

"The swearing in of President Obama represents a new chapter for our country. Today, our nation faces tremendous challenges. Our economy must be strengthened and reshaped. We have crises in many parts of the world. President Obama has his hands full, but I know we can count on him to put his best foot forward. He is a man of great intelligence and has the judgment to be the strong and capable President we need."

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