Historic event draws students, supporters seeking firsthand experience.

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Millions of Americans watched the inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African-American President, in Washington D.C. this morning, whether they lined the streets of the nation’s capitol or huddled in front of TVs and computer screens.

Brian Charles of The Signal newspaper and the-signal.com was on hand in Washington as preparations were underway for the historic event.

Three-hour lines and crowded trains were standard as an estimated 2 million people crowded into the National Mall to see the ceremonies up close or on one of a dozen Jumbotrons set up along the lawns.

President Barack Obama

He told KHTS afternoon drive time host Jason Endicott that he found some of his best resources when he visited the office of Congressman Buck McKeon to pick up his inaugural tickets.

“It was the perfect place to meet with local people who came to the office,” he said.

Endicott gave Charles kudos for being resourceful, but the reporter admitted there were a couple more reasons he hung out near McKeon.

“Well, it helped that there was coffee, it was warm and there were cookies,” he said.

For the full text of President Obama’s inaugural address, click here .

Brian Charles has been writing a two-week series of articles for The Signal and the-signal.com . You can read each of these stories by clicking here .

Listen to all of Brian Charles’ interviews on KHTS AM-1220 below.

January 19th,  7:10 a.m.
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January 19th, 5:10 p.m.
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January 20th, 5:10 p.m. (Inauguration day)
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