Despite the cold weather, attendance at the inaugural ceremonies was, like the elction itself, unprecedented.

About 2 million people huddled in the cold on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. to view the historic event. Additionally, people in more than 250 countries watched on television as Obama was sworn in.

In his inaugural address, Obama highlighted the challenges that await the country and his presidency. Obama promised to approach foreign and domestic policy in a new and responsible way. He also vowed to reform politics by putting an end to the partisanship of Washington and usher in a new time in American politics.

Most University students who were present at the inauguration did not have tickets and had to stand in the area designated for the general public.

Freshman Alieza Durana viewed the event from Fourth Street, which was the closest location to the Capitol that was accessible to non-ticketed members of the public.

“The energy present and the unique experience of sharing this event with so many people was just so exciting,” Durana said.

Senior Katie Shen watched the inauguration from 14th Street, near the Washington Monument.

“It felt good to be there,” Shen said. “It was great being there with all those people who were happy for the same reason.”

Freshman Michaela Kupfer also attended, standing adjacent to the Washington Monument.

“I felt like it was definitely worth it just to say I was there,” Kupfer said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ll be able to tell my grandchildren.”

Most viewers were between one and two miles away from the podium at the Capitol Building. Despite this, many were content with being present at the event while watching the ceremony on large screens strategically placed on the lawn of the National Mall.

“We couldn’t see people’s faces but there were JumboTrons everywhere and loudspeakers so everyone could hear what was going on,” Durana said. “It was just incredible.”

The crowds drawn to the inauguration were extremely diverse.

“People of all sorts of different backgrounds were present,” Shen said.

“It was an electric, amazing and thrilling event,” Julie Bailey, who accompanied her father, Tuskegee Airman Robert Randall, to the inauguration, said.

The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of black pilots who served with distinction in World War Two. The surviving airmen were invited to attend the inauguration by the Presidential Inaugural Committee, chaired by California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Many students who went to the event felt uncertain about their decision to go to Washington. Most were ultimately happy that they chose to attend.

“Originally, I was unsure as to whether I should attend the inauguration,” Kupfer said. “I’m glad I didn’t hesitate. Sharing this experience with my parents was great.”

The National Mall bore a large mass of people prior to sunrise. Many attendees had camped on the mall overnight. “There were people who had been there all night,” said Durana. “I arrived on the mall at 4 a.m. and it was packed. It was insanely crowded.”

Despite the massive crowds, attendees did not feel uncomfortable prior to or during the inaugural ceremony. For many, the exit from the National Mall took hours.

“It took a long time to get out, but while we waited it was wonderful to be there where history was being made,” Bailey said.