Come Tuesday, America will see history in the making. For the first time, a non-white Christian male will take the oath of office for President of the United States. Barack Obama will become the 44th man to sit in the Oval Office.

In honor of this special event, I will be watching the inauguration ceremonies. This is something I have never done, principally because the pomp and circumstance surrounding the occasion is more than I care to sit through.

This is different. This is historic. This is one swearing in that I do not plan to miss. And, I know I will be among millions in this country doing the same thing.

Last week at a meeting of a local community diversity group, not one, but several invitations were shared with folks to join with others in watching Obama assume the presidency. While gatherings of politicos for such events has always been common, not so with the average citizen. Clearly, this time is different.

Obama has excited the populace and with good reason. This is a man who is articulate and able to set a vision forth for this country that the majority is willing to follow. It has been eight long years in the wilderness. The time to move forward is upon us. It is not surprising so many people are anticipating January 20.

Gone will be someone who could not tolerate dissent. We will instead have someone who has actively sought differing views to make better and more informed decisions. Obama has created his own “Team of Rivals.”

Gone will be someone who demanded loyalty over the needs of open government. We have instead someone who has willingly gone to the media and the Internet to discuss ideas and courses of actions. Obama understands the importance of communicating with the public and why it must be done.

Gone will be someone who could not change course despite evidence it was the wrong one to take. We instead have someone who has already stated that some campaign promises may not be achieved as envisioned or expected due to changing circumstances. In other words, Obama is flexible and can adapt as needed.

Gone will be someone who has been out of touch with the needs and desires of the American public. We now have someone who knows the middle class needs help, not just the corporations, someone who knows America is about being something for everyone, not just the privileged few. Obama was not born with a silver spoon in his mouth and he understands quite intimately from his background and work experience the issues facing the least among us.

January 20 has been a long time coming. It is a date that will go down in the history books because America looked past race and picked the person they thought would do the best job.

I am glad I have lived to see this happen. I always knew it was a matter of time and I am very glad it is now. I just hope that I will be able to see not just a woman but also a Jew be elected before I die. Until then, I am going to savor this moment and enjoy being around while history is being made.