Not everyone could make the trip to Washington, D.C. to see the first African-American President sworn into office firsthand. So for those here at home, Texas A&M offered an enticing alternative.

"I'm going to try and not cry through the entire thing. But for my children, my grandchildren, to see this happen in our lifetime," says Barbara Henry, through the tears.

But they're tears of happiness for Henry, "This is unheard of--it's really a surreal moment for most black people."

Like many others, Henry was hoping to snag a ticket to watch Barack Obama become the 44th President in person. But when tickets to the historic event proved hard to come by, she and hundreds of others decided to participate in the festivities a different way.

The Aggie way, by watching the ceremony on the 12th Man TV from the stands at Kyle Field as history unfolds.

"You felt like you were actually there watching it in the stands. But it was really inspiring, I felt really proud," said Henry

And on a campus that most consider to be heavily conservative, Tuesday morning, both Democrats and Republicans unite under one common theme.

"In the end we're all Americans so that's why you see people of all politics here...of all races, religions, different socio-economic backgrounds." explained Henry. That is the same sentiment that she believes the nation is also doing now.

"To see Barack Obama, with a name like Barack Hussein Obama to be judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin...that's paramount," says Henry.

In all, officials with Texas A&M estimate nearly 3,000 people turned out for the Inaugural event.