SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) - With the stage now set for the public swearing-in of President Barack Obama, a group of Central New Yorkers is headed to the Capitol to see history repeat itself.
"It’s one of those things you pray for but you never actually think will happen," said Abdul Shakir, Chaplain of National Action Network.
The reality has drawn people of all ages and ethnic groups to travel to Washington D.C. and witness the President take the oath of office in front of millions, including Martina Rizzo, who came to the US from Italy.
"It’s really a historical time and the fact that I was able to experience it as well and coming from a different country I think that's really important," said Rizzo.
"This is what America's all about. It’s supposed to be one country under God and we're all God's people, so by us coming together its showing we're trying to be what this country is supposed to be about," said Shakir.
Those who traveled with the National Action Network to the inauguration hope to spread a message of change and hope for America, as we begin a new chapter in US history.
“Advocating for civil rights, criminal justice, economic development, just many things," said Lisa M. Johnson of the National Action Network.
NewsChannel 9 will have full coverage of the inaugural events on Monday.
