Tuesday will be history in the making

Regardless of whether or not you supported President-elect Barack Obama in last November's election, I strongly urge everyone who reads this to take some time on Tuesday morning — or afternoon, depending on your time zone — to watch the inauguration of our nation's first African American president. If you see no other part of the event, at least watch his speech. I expect it will be one remembered for years to come.

This is not simply the beginning of change in Washington, as Obama was fond of promising during his campaign. It is an event that will be written about in the history books read by our children and children's children. It will likely become one of those historic moments that conjures up memories for years into the future: All of us who watched Barack Obama's inauguration will remember where we were and what we were doing at the time. It is a defining moment for my generation — and, no doubt, an equally remarkable one for older generations, who also saw the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but never thought they'd live to see anything like this.

Beyond its historical significance, Tuesday's festivities are a source of national unity and pride, as evidenced by the millions of people who have flocked to America's capital from all across the country and world to be part of the experience. I wish I could be there — but regardless, I know I'll be joining with people all across the globe in observing this shared celebration. Let's seize this event and remember what it represents: The dawn of a new chapter in history whose relevance extends far beyond the borders of this great nation.