1) Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States, standing before the nation humbled by the task ahead and mindful of sacrifices of ancestors. 2) He acknowledged the nation faces serious challenges including economic crisis, failing schools and infrastructure, and threats from abroad, but that Americans have overcome crises throughout history by remaining faithful to ideals. 3) Obama pledged to pick the nation up and begin again the work of remaking America through bold action to create jobs, build infrastructure, reform health care and education, and harness new energy technologies.