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John Ewing/Staff PhotographerMoments after Barack Obama addressed the nation for the first time as president Tuesday, Ahura Z. Diliiza walked down his steps, took the American flag from its perch and waved it high in the air.
The drivers of cars and trucks honked as they passed by on Main Street in Westbrook.
"I've always loved my country. I've always been proud of my country, but today I watched my country grow up," Diliiza said with a huge smile on his face.
He was among thousands of Maine residents who paused collectively in homes, businesses, schools and government buildings to watch the inauguration of Obama as the 44th president.
Mainers greeted the historic moment with flags, cheers and heartfelt embraces, even as they face a deepening economic crisis at home and lingering wars abroad.
Diliiza said the inauguration gives the entire world notice of America's ability to grow together as a country. The 48-year-old teacher – whose ancestors were African, Apache Indian, Maori and Irish – reflects the racial and cultural patchwork that Obama referred to Tuesday as a strength of the nation.
"I was around when there were still signs saying 'whites only' and 'colored only,' " Diliiza said. "I think everyone recognizes that today is a life-changing event."
At the Asylum, a nightclub in downtown Portland reserved Tuesday for the Maine Democratic Party, several of the party faithful arrived long before the oaths of office were administered to Obama and Vice President Joe Biden.
Sy Epstein of Wiscasset got there before 10 a.m., as Asylum staffers hung red, white and blue streamers beneath the club's 16 television monitors.
Epstein's eyes welled up as he spoke about the profound meanings of the inauguration.
"I've been a political animal all my adult life. I've been through highs and lows – but nothing like this," the 77-year-old said. "Even now I'm on the verge of tears of joy."
Epstein said he first became involved in politics as an 18-year-old in New York City. He serves the Democrats as one of five state committee members from Lincoln County.
Epstein recalled the efforts of the county volunteers as they rallied behind Obama in the hours leading up to the Nov. 4 presidential election. Many of them worked 48 hours straight, making a total of 8,000 telephone calls to get out the vote.
"The next thing I know, I'm at home screaming," because Obama had won, Epstein said.
"It's not generational. It's not racial. For me, individually, it is about turning our backs on divisive politics," he said. "Today you can't help but love America."
Gerry Mylroie, a Cape Elizabeth delegate to the state Democratic convention, said he hopes Obama will restore America's stature within the international community and take the lead in stopping climate change.
Mylroie, who has a background in urban planning, said America's cities will need to be revitalized to handle a projected population growth of 100 million people in the next three decades. He believes Obama will fulfill his promise of new job creation through investment in sustainable technologies.
"I'm just really excited about the potential for new direction," Mylroie said.
At the State House in Augusta, small crowds gathered around TV sets in various offices, including Gov. John Baldacci's press office and Speaker of the House Hannah Pingree's office.
About 50 people watched the inauguration on a wide-screen TV in the Legislative Council Chambers, at an event organized by Rep. John Martin, D-Eagle Lake, who also held dominion over the remote control.
The crowd was mostly Democrats, with a few Republicans, including Sen. Jerry Davis, R-Falmouth. And it was egalitarian, too, with Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, sitting alongside Senate Chamber Staff Jonathan Hillier, a page -- both watching the proceedings intently.
About 20 residents in Westbrook...
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