Forty years ago one of the most influential leaders passed away.  He gave his life for his dream.  He had a vision for our nation's people to live and lead as one.  Today his vision is fulfilled.  Barak Obama represents hope, faith, inspiration and the continuance of the struggle that was started by his predecessors.  Martin Luther King had a dream that he himself may not have seen to fruition in his life time, however, that same dream has been fulfilled and materialized in President Barak Obama.

America is now the nation where dreams can come true.  The phrase has always been used, however, now its meaning is real.  We can now look at our children and have confidence in saying "keep hold of your dream, you can be anything you want in life regardless of your past, your history and the challenges you may face."  We can now have hope in truely inspiring them to reach the heights of their potential and know that it is possible to overcome the adversity this nation has had with race, class, prejudice, and the presumptive categorization of its citizens.  The dreams and visions we have for our children has expanded from the realm of possibility into the realm of expectation.  The bar has been set much higher since we have a living example of leadership in our generation that represents what happens when our focus in life is on something greater than ourself.

America has spoken loudly for change.  The sheer number of first time voters, the number of voters that crossed all categories of race, class and religion in support of a President that represented inclusion instead of division indicates that our nation is ready to walk the walk of diversity.  President Obama gained this nation's confidence and support because he was the best qualified to lead us into a new era where the world is politically, economically, and socially connected. We've embarked upon a new era lead by a new type of leader.  A leader that more closely represents the ideals and philosophies of its citizens.  A new leader that with our support has successfully erased some of the barriers that has plagued this old nation.

May President Obama lead with the same level of support that put him in office.  May he remain the level headed, forward thinking, strong yet humble leader that puts the people first.  May he be tempered with the patience and insight necessary to navigate the turbulant times our nation currently faces.  May he continue to expand the horizon of dreams for each generation as those have done for him.