This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2020
Barack Obama's watershed 2008 election and the presidency that followed profoundly altered the aesthetics of American democracy, transforming the Founding Fathers' narrow vision of politics and citizenship into something more expansive and more elegant. The Obama victory helped fulfill one of the great ambitions of the civil rights struggle by showcasing the ability of extraordinarily talented black Americans to lead and excel in all facets of American life. It was heralded as the arrival of a "post-racial" America. The newly elected President was inaugurated on January 20, 2009 in front of the Capitol building. It set a record attendance for any event held in Washington, D.C. and was among the most-observed events ever by the global audience. Offered here is a truly historic piece of memorabilia from that day, the American flag that was flown over the Capitol building during the Inauguration ceremony and President Obama's swearing in. The flag was originally obtained directly from the Acting Architect of the Capitol when requested by Senator Debbie Stabenow to fly again in commemoration of the event. It was then folded back into its proper ceremonious style and encased along with the official Letter of Authenticity signed off by Stephen T. Ayers, the Acting Architect of the Capitol. This is an absolutely one-of-a-kind offering from one of the most historic days in recent U.S. history. History and Presidential collectors - take note!