The Calgary chapter of Democrats Abroad gathered at a local pub Monday night to celebrate the inauguration of President Barack Obama.

"He's going to be a very exciting president for a second term," said Regina Shedd, who is originally from New Jersey.

"Obama needs to not back down from the gun lobbies. I think he's really caught in being too nice," said member O.J. Scott who believes the environment, guns and immigration are the key issues facing the president in his second term.

Jim Davis, the chair of the Democrats Abroad chapter in Calgary, says the group has more work to do in support of Obama.

"We're going to do everything we can to support him, including working hard at the midterms to get an even more Democratic Congress."

Many of the people gathered at The Kilkenny Irish Pub stressed the need for the Democrats to gain seats in the House of Representatives where the Republicans currently hold a majority.

A song written by a longtime Calgary blues guitarist and a pair of Canadian songwriters, which was dedicated to U.S. President Barack Obama, was also played at the event.