Barack Obama has taken his oath of office to become the first black US President - declaring America had chosen "hope over fear".
Hundreds of thousands of people have been celebrating in Washington DC for the Obama inauguration party - and they were more than aware of the day's significance.
They were all determined to witness history in the making and waited hours in freezing cold temperatures to see the moment itself.
Here is a selection of what some of those Americans said during their trip to the US capital:
Dr Ken Hill, Alabama: It is very inspiring, very motivating. I feel like I belong to America now. I have voted for the first time in my life. I have had a reason to vote.
"He said things that apply to all Americans. Everyone here should be proud to be an American now."
Patrice: "When he spoke, I thought I was finally getting someone who represents me as a person and us as a whole. I was very proud of him.
"It's time for us to reach out for peace. All we need is peace. I felt it in my heart."
David Cole, Leesburg, Virginia: "For people of colour this is a very special day. It is a watershed moment."
Fred Phillips, Washington: "It's a milestone in race relations in the US. We're still not completely there but we can't go back.
"The hopes from my ancestors have been realised, the efforts have been rewarded and the prayers have been answered."
Patrick Kearns, Charleston, West Virginia: "I think Obama and his administration are going to electrify, bolster and solidify all the dreams and aspirations in America."
Rae Brown, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: "I don't have tickets for anything. I'm just going to see where I can get to, but I had to be here."
Mary Lloyd: "We woke up at 3am but it's worth it. I think it's history on its way. We just want to be there celebrating."
Pamela Jones, White Plains, New York: "We were in the holding pen for a good couple of hours. Mashed in like sardines.
"When we finally got through it really was, free at last, free at last."
Judy Bailey, Cincinnati, Ohio: "This is chaos now. But it is amazing to be here. This is history in the making."
Maggie, New Hampshire: "Everyone at my school is jealous because they're doing schoolwork and I'm here.
"It was so crazy when we saw Barack Obama go past. It's just awesome."
House of Representatives administrative office worker: "I'm definitely excited. It is packed and chaotic but there is so much enthusiasm and good nature all around.
"Everybody is being nice - there was singing while we were waiting in line."
George Washington University student: "As a young student, a young man, I am more excited about this than I have been about anything in a long time."
SOURCE:SKYNEWS.COM
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