WASHINGTON - Many eastern Iowans were there as America welcomed its new president into office.

This is the fourth inauguration I've covered. The others have been impressive. But this was much different.

This one, of course, boasted the largest crowd, by far. But it was also the most festive by far, with people celebrating the changes that this new president promises to bring.

"In the history books this is going to be a great day. And there's tons of people here, and I'm really glad that I could come be a part of it," said Kimberly Engels of Fayette.

Smiles filled the National Mall on this historic day, a day not only for inaugurating a president, but also a day for a nation to come together as one people.

Meghan Powers of West Union said, "Even on the Metro this morning, we were meeting people, they asked us where we were from. We're like Iowa, and they were so interested in it. We were hugging by the end of our Metro ride. Everybody just had a smile on their face. It was pretty awesome."

"We got here at 8:30 and we were wall to wall. We could hardly move there was so many people. Everyone was so nice. And we were talking to each other, and just really waiting for it to happen. Once he was up there talking everyone was taking turns, taking pictures, ducking down for other people and just really celebrating this momentous occasion," said Grinnell Graduate Rebecca Miller.

While this is a day of celebration, the people witnessing this inauguration also know that this new president is promising hope, a promise that stretches beyond the U.S. boundaries.

Henri Giradeaux of Montreal, Canada said, "It's not only important for you Americans, but it's important for all the people of the world. And I wanted to share this unique moment."

Are we expecting too much from him too fast? Kevin Meredith of Newton said,"I'm not, cause I'm a realist, but I know some people probably think he's going to fix the world and walk on water and all that jazz, but I think if we just follow his example and give it a good try, we can do it."

Wednesday the new administration goes to work. But Tuesday evening, there are ten official inaugural balls.