Local Democrats witness history

Lafayette, Ind. (WLFI) - More than 100 people filled the Lafayette Theatre, downtown, to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama, who became the 44th President of the United State and the first African American to hold that office.

"So fun. So historical," said Joseph Woeste, a West Lafayette resident.

People of all races and ages listened as President Obama delivered his inaugural address, bringing some to tears.

For West Lafayette resident Vicky Woeste, it was the historical themes laid out in the address that she will always remember.

"His imagery of taking from the earlier generations the values that we have built on from the founding documents from the Revolutionary War. And carrying those values through to the struggles that we face today. I'm a historian and to hear him use those type of historical parallels and illusions, for me, is incredible," said Vicky Woester, a West Lafayette resident.

West Lafayette resident Leonard Harris said after hearing the President speak, he was reminded of the struggles of those who came before him and how it was not in vain.

"Those women who were beaten and raped and left in the fields, but came up and struggled and raised their children. Those men who weren't paid all they were worth. Those soldiers who fought and died and bled, even in a segregated army, but carried on. I feel they've been vindicated in some way," said Harris, a West Lafayette resident.

The youth in attendance also shared how the moment touched their lives. Two West Lafayette residents shared some advice for Obama's children.

"Have fun," said Joseph Woeste.

"There's a lot of new things happening with them, a new school, a new house, and I just hope that everything's ok with them," said Margaret Woeste, a West Lafayette resident.