To the Editor:

As my wife, Oralene, and I watched as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States, tears of joy were shed for an event of such magnitude. Not only did we think this day would not come, but the same thought probably passed in the heads of many, especially African-Americans.

But for those who made this day possible — from poll taxes, segregation, sit-ins, lynchings and separate water fountains, to name a few, to individuals such as Sojourner Truth, Medgar Evers and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — their dream and the dreams of millions of others has come true, as an African-American holds the highest office in the land.

Though his descent is African-American, he will be president to every citizen, regardless of their descent. Whether you like him or not, what he and the country needs now are prayers and support. That’s not black or white, Democratic or Republican; it’s American.

Henri A. Porter

Franklin