Bermudians must "embrace our diversity" and "move beyond our painful past".

These are the words of Opposition Leader Kim Swan, who attended this week's presidential inauguration, and spoke to the Mid-Ocean News from Washington, DC on what Bermuda can learn from President Obama's historic election - particularly in this, our quadricentennial year.

"My wife Cindy and I are so pleased that we made the decision to be in Washington, DC to savour this moment in time," Mr. Swan said.

"President Obama's speech was inspirational and took us all to task to rise to the challenge before us today: to start now to build a better tomorrow. In President Obama's address there were messages for Bermuda as well, very pointed, challenging us all to rise to the occasion," he said.

Mr. Swan cited a passage of the new President's Inauguration speech in which he referred to America as "a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus, and non-believers" who "have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united".

"The spirit of these words ring true for us in Bermuda as well, and the time has come for us to have the courage to truly embrace our diversity, move beyond our painful past and stride forward," Mr. Swan said.

"As we start now in this our 400th year, let us build on the foundation of our forefathers and forge a better Bermuda for tomorrow. We in Bermuda can seize the example of our neighbours in America led by their new President, Barack Obama."

He also spoke of his experience in Washington, DC among more than a million Americans gathered in the capital to witness the historic swearing-in of President Obama.

He described Washington, DC as "abuzz with surreal sense of pride and hope".

"The crowds are a sea of diversity from all walks of life," he said.

"On Tuesday morning, we took public transportation from Virginia. As we waited for the bus in 19-degree weather, we waved and blew kisses to motorists Johnny Barnes-style - and people waved back to us! There is a positive spirit about, described by one political correspondent as 'Obamastock'."

Mr. Swan met others during his trip who had braved freezing weather and long delays to reach Washington, DC in time to see Obama sworn in.

"I asked Mrs. Ellis, an elegant African-American lady I met from Wellseley, Massachusetts, what this day meant to her. She shared with me that it was a real dream come true for her grandchildren, their first memory of a President would be a black man, which is amazing. She spent the night near Baltimore and had to get up at 4 a.m. in the cold to get there, but it did not matter."

Mr. Swan told the Mid-Ocean News he was "tearful and filled with prayers" on Inauguration day, surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic supporters from all over the world.

"I have witnessed millions of people in Washington, DC and around the world show solidarity by celebrating this historic day, looking for a vantage point to share this moment in time."