Submitted by Dietrich Friesen

Bio/About:: As a history major I am keen to be a witness to the beginning of what could become a major era of change in the United States. I'm happy to be gauging the moods and opinions of residents and visitors to Washington.

My take: The celebration began yesterday for this Canuck at the inauguration with the "We Are One" concert at the Lincoln memorial. Thousands upon thousands of people crammed the National Mall for a chance to see speakers such as Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Marisa Tomei, Tom Hanks, Jamie Foxx, and Queen Latifah. But the real show was all in the music, where a throng of artists turned up in support of the president-elect.

The Lincoln memorial in Washington. Submitted by Dietrich Friesen.

On another chilly DC day, thousands moved and shook to keep warm to the sounds of Bruce Springsteen, Mary J. Blige, Bon Jovi, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, John Mellencamp, John Legend, Will. I. Am, Shakira, and more.

However, this mass of musical talent produced only a few shining moments for me. Garth Brooks, accompanied by a full choir really got the crowd rolling with a three-song medley. Stevie Wonder shuffled aside the rather bland singing of Usher and Shakira to put some real soul into his classic hit "Higher Ground." Herbie Hancock was joined by Will. I. Am & Sheryl Crow for a lovely and heartfelt crowd pleasing sing along of Bob Marley's "One Love."

The overwhelming crowd on Sunday, January 18, 2009. Submitted by Dietrich Friesen.

Of course the biggest band of the day was U2 who performed their tribute to Martin Luther King "Pride (In the Name of Love.)" After U2's performance the man himself took the stage. The future president gave another of his eloquent speeches focusing as always on hope and change. Though the speech was nothing to write home about, Mr. Obama most definitely got the biggest ovation of the day, because after all, he's currently the biggest celebrity in the world.

After U2 and Obama (oh yeah, Biden spoke too), many in the throng began to show their weariness and chilliness and some started to leave, but not before aging (really well for that matter) American icon Pete Seeger led the crowd and the celebrity guests in a sing along of Woody Guthrie's classic tune "This Land is Your Land."

But the real story of the day was in the crowd. I spent my time in one of the largest masses, with my back to the Washington Monument facing the Lincoln Memorial. In between people hawking everything from Obama t-shirts and buttons to Obama flags and O-balm-a lip balm, there was just a sense of pride, happiness and community that permeated the day. As per Obama's message, the young and old were united, the blue and white collars were cast aside and people cheered on in celebration of their new leader.

A crowd member shows off a unique custom-made Obama jacket. Submitted by Dietrich Friesen.

I was the first Canadian to sign one woman's t-shirt as she collected signatures from around the USA and the world. She was so overcome with joy and excitement I feared she would faint. Striking up a conversation with those next to you was so easy, it felt like in this crowd, no one was anonymous, everyone was a friend. Thankfully the glut of positive energy contained some measure of cynicism, just to keep all of us all on the level. Speakers such as George Lopez and the guy from the "Harold and Kumar" movies left many such as myself remarking "I was on TV once, when is it my turn to go up there and say a few words?" It was of course all in good fun.

As we all departed past all of people hawking Obama memorabilia, I had to believe that this inaugural celebration was phase one of Obama's economic plan. With everyone out displaying their wares, and everyone buying at least one thing with Obama's name on it, this celebration had to be single-handedly fighting the recession.

All in all the show was a logistical success for the planners and law enforcement officers, a financial success for the hawkers, and an emotional success for the president-elect and the rest of us.

Check back! Watch this blog throughout the inauguration for live updates from Canadians at the inauguration and at home wishing Obama well.