Important Date In History: Barack Obama becomes President

Dear Children,

Today our country, the United States of America, will usher in a new era, when a Senator from Chicago will become the President. Senator Barack Hussien Obama is the first minority to be sworn into the highest position in our country. While many can debate the policies and practices he brings to the table and currently do not know what legacy he will leave, we can be sure that this marks a historical day in our country.

According to available publications, African American slavery was part of America's culture from 1619 - 1865. In 1862 and 1863, President Abraham Lincoln enacted two executive orders. These together were called the Emancipation Proclamation. These were the first steps to ending slavery in our country. In December of 1865, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. consitution was put in to place. This officially abolished and continues to prohibit slavery and involuntary servitude.

How far we have come since 1985. With the rise of Martin Luther King Jr. to now the swearing in of our first president of African decent, we are showing the evolution of our country. We have a long way to go in destroying the prejudice attitudes that many currently have. One day, I pray that we all will able to live together in social harmony and treat each other equaly. The only way this can happen is if my generation, your generation, and the generations to come continue to build on what has been established long ago.

While I know that you girls are too young to understand this and will not remember this day, I hope that you find my words to be an inspiration of how great our country is and how great we can become. One day, you will be an adult and make decisions that will either inspire or segregate our world. I pray that you will be able to take what your mother and I have taught you and continue on.

With this being said, I congratulate President Obama on his new position and vow to support my country to the end of my days.

With much love,

Daddy Scotty